As more people make an effort to eat healthier and keep track of their nutritional intake, understanding what is truly good for our bodies becomes increasingly important. With restaurant dining being such a prevalent part of our lives, it’s not always easy to make the best choices. This article aims to help you make healthier decisions by revealing the top five restaurant dishes that nutritionists choose to avoid.
Our list is based on the latest industry trends, data from health studies, and interviews with professional nutritionists. These experts have shared their insights into why these particular dishes are best left untouched. From harmful ingredients to dishes with an unnecessary calorie count, we’ve got all the details. Prepare to learn what dishes you might want to strike off from your next restaurant order.
Fried Calamari
Fried calamari is a popular appetizer in many restaurants, known for its crispy texture and satisfying taste. However, the dish is often deep-fried in oil, which significantly increases its calorie and unhealthy fat content. Additionally, the squid is usually coated in refined flour before frying, adding unnecessary carbohydrates to the dish.
The current trend of pursuing healthier eating habits and reducing unhealthy fats in our diet makes fried calamari a dish to avoid. Nutritionists recommend opting for grilled or baked seafood options as a healthier alternative, ensuring you still get the nutritional benefits of seafood without the excess fats and carbs.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Many people opt for a Caesar salad, believing it to be a healthy option. Traditionally, a Caesar salad includes lettuce, croutons, cheese, and a creamy dressing, often topped with grilled chicken. However, the problem lies in the dressing, which is typically high in fat and calories, and the cheese, which adds additional calories and sodium.
Given the increasing awareness of hidden calories in ‘healthy’ foods, nutritionists advise against choosing a Caesar salad. Instead, they recommend a salad with a lighter dressing, such as a vinaigrette, and minimal cheese. This way, you can enjoy a truly low-calorie, nutrient-rich meal.
Vegetable Tempura
Vegetable tempura might seem like a healthy choice given it’s made up of vegetables. However, the vegetables are battered and deep-fried, which drastically increases the dish’s calorie and fat content. Additionally, the batter often contains white flour, which has less nutritional value than whole grain alternatives.
With the growing trend of clean eating, nutritionists advise against dishes like vegetable tempura. They suggest choosing fresh, steamed, or grilled vegetables instead, which retain more of their nutritional value and avoid the added unhealthy fats from the frying process.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that many people enjoy. However, the dish is notorious for its high-calorie and high-fat content. The creamy sauce is primarily made of butter and Parmesan cheese, both high in saturated fats. The pasta is also typically made from refined flour, which lacks the fiber content of whole grain alternatives.
In light of the increased awareness of the importance of consuming balanced meals, nutritionists suggest avoiding dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo. They recommend opting for pasta dishes with lighter sauces, such as marinara, and choosing whole grain pasta for a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Beef Nachos
Beef nachos are a favorite appetizer or snack at many restaurants. However, they are loaded with high-fat ingredients such as cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Not to mention, the tortilla chips are often fried and the beef is usually cooked in oil, further increasing the dish’s fat and calorie content.
Considering the current focus on controlling portion sizes and reducing high-calorie foods, nutritionists suggest avoiding dishes like beef nachos. They recommend choosing dishes with lean proteins and a high vegetable content to ensure a more balanced and nutritious meal.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
