“Who’s up for a cheeky Nando’s?”
Last week the government launched its Ear Out to Help Out scheme, to encourage the public to support the struggling restaurant industry as the economy looks to recover from the coronavirus lockdown. It gives people the opportunity to get 50 per cent off their meal bills. But just because you are eating out, it doesn't mean you need to deter from your fitness goals … It is possible to EAT OUT, have a good time and not of-set your fitness goals.
Surely you can’t eat Nando’s and still stick to your plan?
Well, actually, yes… Yes, you can and, according our resident expert PT Steve, it’s actually easier than you may think.
It all comes down to making smart choices which is why we asked PT Steve to give us the lowdown on what to eat and why so you can stack that plate high and still boss your 2020 goals.
Start as you mean to go on
From the moment you open that menu you’re faced with “peri” delicious sounding food guaranteed to make your mouth water; Halloumi Sticks & Dip, Red Pepper Dip with Pitta triangles and Peri-Peri Nuts – it’s enough to drive your taste buds wild.
But, if you really want to stick to your healthy eating plan, opt for the Spicy Mixed Olives or Houmous with Peri-Peri Drizzle and pitta triangles.
We’ve selected the olives because:
- They’re naturally high in vitamin E, spot on for giving your immune system a boost
- A full portion clocks in with just 138 calories, making them the ideal light starter.
- They’re the perfect sharing food, meaning you can take the edge off without overdoing it before the main event.
Now, when it comes to the Houmous, you might be a little shocked to find out that one portion can dish up a massive 800 calories, but, much like the olives, it’s a great starter to share with pals.
Better yet, its main ingredient is chickpeas – naturally brimming in complex carbs, low on the GI scale and crammed with at least 10% of your daily fibre recommendation.
It’s also the perfect starter for all your vegetarians and vegans as it’s chock-full of plant-based iron!
The main dish
Where to begin?! The Nando’s menu has everything from salads to burgers, 10 Wing Roulette chicken creations and Pittas, Wraps and sharing platters.
Talk about a mouthful…
So, if salads are your thing, the Grains ‘n Greens salad is a fantastic shout.
Clocking in with just 450 odd calories, 17g of protein and 38g of carbs, this sensational salad is crammed with veggies and grains, so you’ll not only be well on your way to hitting your 5-a-day target, but you’ll get a fab dose of fibre and flavour to boot!
Just be careful when ordering any old salad, though, as they’re not always as healthy as you think as the dressings are often high in sugar and salt. If you’re concerned about that, simply ask for it on the side.
If you’d rather sink your teeth into something a bit meatier, the quarter or half chicken option is a great option for you, although we’d say be mindful of your goals when considering a size up.
First of all, the chicken is packed with oodles of lean protein, essential for maintaining a healthy body and helps you feel fuller for longer, but the chicken itself is also a great source of B3 and B6, both of which contribute to a healthy metabolism and serotonin production.
Peri-Peri Fries or no?
Now, folks, be careful here, because the sides are where your sneaky downfall could creep up on you.
Don’t get us wrong, we love those Per-Peri Fries as much as the next person, but they are not the healthiest choice on the menu – boo.
That Chargrilled Veg selection, though? Yes please! Those chunky mixed peppers, red onion and courgette with crushed PERi-PERi tomatoes will give you a cracking dose of body boosting vitamins and minerals, including filling fibre.
They’ll also add a tongue twisting flavour boost to your dish…
For something off the regular side menu, we’d go for the corn on the cob every time.
Clocking in with roughly 144 calories, this golden side dish of loveliness is a fibre goldmine dishing up 4.6g per serving.
Plus, the butter comes on the side…
The finisher
Let’s face it, no dessert is going to be all that healthy, but if your sweet tooth is craving something, the Mango Frozen Yoghurt will round off your dinner in refreshing style.
But, just watch out for that sugar content. The NHS recommends you consume no more than 30g of sugar per day and just one portion of this delectable dessert has 13g of the sweet stuff.
Happy munching Nandomigos!
