It’s that time of year, we’re out and about, wining and dining.
At Equalution HQ we’re all about enjoying life and the delicious food and drinks that come with it, but we totally understand that when you’re on a body and mind transformation journey you don’t want to compromise all your hard work and get off track.
So we asked our nutritionist Caillin Bursill to recommend her calorie and macro-friendly picks from some of Sydney’s popular eateries…
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TOTTI’S
This Italian winner in Bondi is so popular, they’re pretty much booked out for dinner until the end of January! But add it to your list because the food is delicious and perfect for sharing.
“I’d suggest picking a few things off the menu,” says Caillin.
“Be mindful of food choice and exercising portion control. The below will sit around around 900 calories per person if shared with 2 other people.”
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Melon, Wood-Fired Bread, Prosciutto Side
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Pastas: Rigatoni, Scallop alla Vodka
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Rocket and parmesan salad
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Chargrilled Broccolini
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Burrata
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Roasted potatoes
View the full menu here.
HURRICANE’S GRILL
If you love steak, you’ll love Hurricane’s! This chain has restaurants in Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Bondi Beach, Brighton Le Sands, Top Ryde and Narellan, and is a great spot for the whole family. They also have some delicious seafood, chicken, burger and salad options.
Here’s menu items Caillin recommends ordering:
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Oysters or Grilled Calarami
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Steak – smaller piece 200g Sirlion (don’t eat the fat!)
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Side of Gravy
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Mash or Chips
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Seasonal Steamed Veggies
“This is a very macro friendly, high protein meal,” she says.
“It’s around 888 total calories if you track in-app. Steer clear of the rack of ribs, they’re 600 cals for half a rack. Fish of the day is another good swap for the steak above though, bringing that total meal to 800 calories.”
View the full menu here.
NEW SHANGHAI
With multiple restaurants across Sydney, this dumpling bar is a great spot for a casual dinner with a group of friends. Prices are affordable and the food is damn tasty!
When it comes to placing your order, remember to practice mindful eating and portion control.
Caillin recommends the below order. This will be approximately 750 calories per person, shared between two.
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Fried Rice with mixed meat and seafood
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Steamed Live barramundi with ginger, shallot and soy sauce
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Wok fried chicken with Sichuan pepper
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San Choy Bau
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Steamed pork dumplings x 2
Steer clear of too much deep-fried, creamy or fatty meat dishes.
View the full menu here.
CHAT THAI
With five restaurants scattered across Sydney CBD and Lower North Shore, you will feel as though you’ve been transported to Thailand as you immerse yourself in the delicious dishes.
Here are Caillin’s ordering recommendations, please refer to their menu below for more information on the dishes.
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Fresh Spring Rolls – 120 cals each
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Satay Chicken Skewers – 180 cals each
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Padt Ho or R Grapao Gai Sup – 650 cals each dish
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Goong Opb Woon Sen – 650 cals
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Goong Mar Kham – 400 cals
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Padt Si-Ew – 800 cals
“Just look for dishes with light sauce bases and lean meat,” says Caillin.
“Steer clear of deep fried options!”
View the menu here.
EL CAMINO CANTINA
This vibrant Tex-Mex spot is the place to go if you’re after dinner with a side of fun! There’s always a super bubbly vibe across the restaurant’s four locations: Miranda, Manly, The Entertainment Quarter and The Rocks. Their range of taco flavours is awesome, too!
As for the lower calorie onea? You can choose from the below:
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King Caesar – 250 cals
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Philly Mex – 250 cals
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Mel Mac – 320 cals
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The Cauli Cartel – 200 cals
If you’re after something a little more substantial, Caillin also recommends their burrito bowl which is approximately 950 calories.
View the full menu here.
EL JANNAH
These guys are a Sydney institution when it comes to charcoal chicken! They’re so popular they have a whopping 12 locations around NSW. Check out their website for your closest store.
The most calorie-friendly order from these guys, as recommended by Caillin, is their quarter chicken plate which comes with garlic sauce, pickles and bread.
“It’s approximately 882 calories, just make sure to go light on the garlic sauce,” Caillin says.
View the full menu here.
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