Hello lovely people,
I have just started a 6 week mini-cut as I needed a little kick up the bum to get myself a little bit leaner for summer. So we’re back on plan, and back to a lower calorie diet for now with plenty of nourishing, wholesome food. I am already feeling a bit more spritely; I suspect my body has finally recovered from an onslaught of the Cadbury’s creme eggs from this Easter weekend!
Our beautiful Lisa-Marie is returning from Australia for a quick visit home so this week I had a pre-arranged meal with the girls. Social events when you’re dieting can be tough but thankfully it was decided that we were going to meet up for a meal at Nando’s!
Nando’s is super easy to eat at when you’re on a diet because of the flexibility of the menu. You can’t really go wrong, there are plenty of options that offer lean chicken, potatoes or rice.
My favourite “diet” combination isn’t technically a meal but a combination of sides. My go to combo is pretty low in calories and balanced in terms of macros – a good splatter of carbohydrates, protein and fats.
I’m going to show you exactly what I normally order at Nando’s versus what I order when I’m keeping an eye on my calorie intake. I personally find this meal is the best thing to eat at Nando’s when I am on a diet or following my diet plan.
NORMAL ORDER
Main
- Single Chicken Pitta – Lemon and Herb (yes I know I’m a wuss)
391 calories - Add single slice of cheese
78 calories
Sides
- Sweet Potato Wedges
320 calories - Grilled Halloumi Cheese
177 calories
Drink
- Coca-Cola Zero
0 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 966
LOW CALORIE *DIET* ORDER
Main
- Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet – Lemon and Herb (technically a salad add on)
140 calories
Sides
- Chargrilled Veg
98 calories - 1/2 Regular Serving of Spicy Rice (I only eat half of a portion)
100 calories
Drink
- Coca-Cola Zero
0 calories
TOTAL CALORIES: 338
As you can see there is a whopping 600 calorie difference between those two meals, but I can honestly say I feel just as satisfied eating the low calorie option. I can happily chomp away at this meal knowing that firstly, it tastes good, and secondly, I’m not ruining my diet.
There are plenty of other options you can choose from too like the chicken butterfly or one of the salads. Sometimes I’ll add on a Portobello Mushroom (an extra 100cals) if I’m feeling particularly peckish.
I think the trick with eating at Nando’s is just making sure you keep and eye on your portion size too. I only eat half a portion of rice and frankly that’s plenty for me, I just put half on my plate and move the other half away from me so I’m not tempted to eat the rest.
Do you have your own low calorie Nando’s combo? Let me know, I’d love to try it!
Amy-Kate x
This post is not sponsored and reflects my own personal honest opinion however affiliate links are used to support the running costs of this blog where appropriate!
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