It's undeniable that Singaporeans favorite past time is eating, and what better to do so than our humble hawker centres? But I'm sure the "putting on weight" and "calories laden" part from all the hawker delights isn't our favorite at all. Follow these tips, and let nothing hinders your favourtie hobby!
Credit: Rebeccasaw
Lor Mai Kai
Credit: Foodspotting
1 portion (195 g) packs 421.4 kcal
Though this dish might contain some pork or chicken slices, yet the protein content it doesn’t add much to the recommended daily intake of protein for an adult. Moreover it is high in sodium (778.05 g) and oily. Also, the glutinous rice used in the dish, contains a high glycemic index, which can result in a mid-morning sugar crash.
Make it healthier:
- Satisfy your craving with just half of the portion
- Blot away the excess oil
Masala Thosai
Credit: Recipeshubs
1 piece (225 g) packs 362.25 kcal
This savoury breakfast packs a high quantity of sodium (778.5 mg). Moreover, the rice wrap coupled with potato filling makes this a double carbohydrate combination (52. 4 g), which may set you off in a cranky mood after the sugar rush.
Make it healthier:
- Limit yourself to less than 1 tablespoon of gravy to reduce your overall sodium intake
- Halve the calories by sharing the thosai
- Go for the plain thosai at half the calories (152.5 kcal)
Mee Rebus
Credit: Fuzzymazing
1 plate (571 g) packs 559.24 kcal
We are not sure about you, but we definitely do not fancy something heavy like this in the morning. Consuming this can send you on the route to exceeding your daily recommended sodium intake, not to mention its high cholesterol content (146.4 mg).
Make it healthier:
- Request for less gravy, and avoid adding chilli sauce to your noodles to reduce the sodium level, rather flavour it with green chilli or pepper
- Request for a smaller portion of noodle, and replace it with more vegetables or beancurd to make you fuller at half the calories
Mee Siam
Credit: Mayakitchenette
1 bowl (655 g) packs 521.15 kcal
Though this tangy breakfast choice provides a good source of protein, but it comes at a price of high sodium content (2346.66 mg) and low fibre (3.58 g). Those with hypertension should avoid making this a regular food choice.
Make it healthier:
- Request for less gravy or simply opt for a dry version to reduce the sodium content by 50%
- Add fibre to the dish by requesting for more beansprouts
- Enhance the flavours by adding green chilli or pepper rather than chilli sauce
Plain Roti Prata
Credit: Thehalalfoodblog
2 pieces (120 g) pack 325.2 kcal
This crispy treat is usually fry with margarine, which is the main culprit of trans- fat. Not forgetting the curry gravy which comes along with it, which can contributes to your cholesterol intake.
Make it healthier:
- Resist having a second piece, and save your calories for something healthier
- Stick to no more than 1 tablespoon of curry for each piece of prata
- Avoid sweetening your prate with more than 1 teaspoon of sugar
Putu Mayam
Credit: Dayre
1 serving (104 g) packs 195.87 kcal
Boohoo for those with a sweet tooth! As much as you love the fragrance from the grated coconut and sweetness from the sugar, they are indeed all empty calories, providing you with little to no nutritional benefit at all. Moreover, you would even risk getting cranky, after the initial sugar spike.
Make it healthier:
- Resist adding more than 1 teaspoon of grated coconut and sugar to save 96 calories