Can eating sushi be bad for you? 9 hacks for a healthier Japanese meal
Fish with high mercury levels, fried foods and too much sodium can all be part of a sushi meal, but are there healthier options at Japanese restaurants?
Compared to a fast food meal, sushi is seen as a healthier choice as it offers lower fat and leaner proteins. But is sushi actually that healthy?
Yes – and no. Like most dishes, there are hidden culprits in sushi choices that can easily turn your meal from light to loaded.
Next time you feel like eating sushi, try these nine hacks for a healthier meal.
Order a side of veggies
Most sushi items generally contain little to no vegetables. That said, one of the main ingredients of sushi is rice, so choosing fewer starchy dishes to start your meal is not a bad idea.
Starters such as house salad of leafy greens, or a portion of edamame (without salt), or an order of wakame, also known as seaweed salad, are some of the healthier options. The presence of dietary fibre in these selections, and protein in edamame may help pace your appetite without overindulging.
Choose fish with high omega-3 fats
Salmon, mackerel and tuna are some examples of fish with an excellent source of omega-3 fats, specifically DHA and EPA, which are vital for the health of the heart, the eyes and the brain.