The Slim Side of Sushi
July 26, 2010 by Carolyn Fauteux
Filed under Featured, Nutrition
Many of us ladies flock to the nearest sushi bar for a quick lunch with colleagues or for after work snack and a good conversation. Sushi is mainly seafood, so it must be a great food to incorporate when you are trying to shed some pounds … right? The problem with sushi is that there is an extremely wide spectrum of healthiness in the choices we make, that can either help us trim up or puff out. Knowing what to order before you hit the sushi bar is the key to adding sushi to a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to watch for when ordering at your favorite sushi spot.
Tip 1: Avoid Anything Labeled “Tempura” – Tempura is a form of deep frying, and we all know that anything deep fried is going to help us stand out in bathing suit season, but maybe not in the way we want. Avoid it at all costs.
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Tip 2: Steer Clear of “Spicy” Rolls – Typically, any roll made with Spicy Sauce has mayo added into the mixture. Stay away.
Tip 3: Watch Your Rice Intake – Sure, the rolls are small, but have you ever considered just how much rice you are actually eating when you order a variety of maki or hand rolls? Aim for “sashimi”, which is just the fish without the rice, to avoid overloading your carb intake (unless you’re training for a marathon this season).
Tip 4: Aim For Brown Rice – When you are ordering maki or hand rolls, ask your server if they make their rolls with brown rice instead of the staple white, sticky rice. This way, you’ll be adding more whole grains and fiber into your meal.
Tip 5: Start with the Miso Soup – Miso Soup, although slightly high side in sodium, is a very healthy option. Sitting at just around 40 calories per cup, this soup is a great start to your meal, helping to fill you up before all of the rolls arrive.
A very helpful website “The Sushi FAQ” has some great nutrition information on all of your favorite sushi items. The lowest calorie roll is the Kappa Maki (the cucumber roll), sitting at just 136 calories per entire roll. The California Roll ranks in 255 calories per entire roll, which isn’t too bad, considering you have one of the healthiest foods on earth – avocado -in there. Hope this information helps towards your sushi lunch!
Photo: flickr
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