The standard avo smash with poached eggs really hits the spot for me. It's a great option because it provides lean protein from the eggs, healthy fats from the avo and quality carbs from the bread (hint: make sure you pick a wholegrain/seedy variety).
My top tips are to stick with only a quarter of an avocado and add some vegies as sides, like spinach and a roasted tomato.
Don't feel the need to finish it all, either. More often than not, you'll be served a couple jumbo slices of sourdough β but listen to your body and stop when you're full.
LUNCH
I'm a sucker for a salad β they're my go-to when I'm out for lunch. I'm not talking the boring kind, either. A lot of people think that salads aren't satisfying, but you really can have a substantial, filling lunch with a salad. I promise.
While vegies are nutritional superstars, your salad needs to be more than just that. Including a source of protein is key (think eggs, chicken or tofu), as are quality carbs like quinoa or sweet potato. Healthy fats in the form of avocado, nuts, seeds will help you to feel more satisfied, too. That's what I look out for when ordering a salad.
In practicality, a regular salad order for me is along the lines of a salmon and quinoa or something based on beans.
DINNER
For me, dinner is where things get a little more varied β there's just so many delicious cuisines to pick from!
I love to go to tapas-style restaurants where you can pick lots of smaller plates to share with the whole table. For entrees, options like dips with veggie sticks, salads and oysters are always a winner. For more substantial dishes, I usually opt for something like whole fish or slow-cooked lamb and of course, lots of vegies as sides!
When at restaurants that aren't focused on share plates, my go-to is a piece of fish, like salmon or barramundi. A great tip is to check the cooking method, as fried foods come with a load of extra fat (i.e. unwanted kilojoules). Baked and grilled are usually the best choice. Of course, I always make sure my dish has plenty of vegies and if it's lacking, I'll order a few sides to boost the vegie content.