Best Thai foods for weight loss
Thai food is fairly healthy and good for weight loss. In fact, many Westerners tend to lose between 3% and 5% of their body weight in 1-2 months if they switch from Western foods to Thai foods.
As a guide, here are the best Thai food options for people who are trying to lose weight.
1. Potatoes-Thickened Massaman Curry
Massaman curry is full of flavor and is mostly thickened with coconut cream. However, some options are thickened with crushed potatoes. These are the best options if you are trying to lose weight because they don’t contain fat.
To be safe, always ask the restaurant how their Massaman curry is made before placing an order.
2. Tom Yum Soup
Tom yum soup is another good choice for weight loss because the shrimp or chicken in the soup is low in fat and calories. Past studies done by top Japan universities have also shown that the soup is 100 times more effective in inhibiting the growth of certain cancerous cells than other foods.
However, steer clear of coconut soup if you are trying to lose weight. Although it is full of flavor, the coconut milk is high in calories—up to 400 per serving. So, it is just like other cream-based soups. Unless you are only going to eat coconut soup and nothing else, it is best to just opt for Thai food options.
3. Summer Rolls
Summer rolls are basically rice noodles and vegetables enveloped in rice paper. However, instead of being fried, they are steamed to allow you to get all the flavors of the vegetables but without any fat.
Just by enjoying 2-3 meals of Thai food a week, you can control your weight better, especially if you opt for the right options. If you aren’t sure where to begin, the above-highlighted dishes are excellent choices to try.
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FAQs
Choose from a variety of lower-fat options such as garlic shrimp, hot-and-sour soup, chicken satay, stir-fried noodles, scallops, bamboo shoots, sautéed ginger chicken, Thai salad, tom yum, Pad Thai, and green or red curry with lower fat content.
Does Thai food use a lot of ginger? ›
Ginger is in the same family as turmeric and galangal – all of which are used widely in Thai cuisine. It's got a hot, sweetly spicy flavour and is supposed to have lots of health benefits.
Which Thai curry is healthiest? ›
Green curry is great with chicken and shrimp because it offers a punch of seasoning to the protein. The long list of herbs also makes green curry one of the healthiest Thai cuisine dishes. You may also see green curry in Thai fusion dishes like pasta or sandwiches.
Is Pad Thai healthy for weight loss? ›
Best: Pad Thai
This dish is a menu staple of Thai restaurants. It's made from rice noodles sauteed with spices, peanuts, egg, and bean sprouts. Get it with shrimp, chicken, or tofu for lean protein, and extra veggies for fiber and vitamins. Just watch your portion: Pad thai clocks in at 300 to 400 calories a cup.
Is panang curry healthy for weight loss? ›
The vegetable panang curry is a great source of protein and is scientifically proven to help with weight loss.
What is healthier Thai or Chinese food? ›
Thai food is often healthier than Chinese food. Thai food puts a focus on balance and variety. They are often light and the aromas are just as important as the taste of the food. Thai food uses less heavy sauces and oils than Chinese food uses that are healthier for you, if any oil at all.
Which is healthier, Thai or Indian food? ›
Thai also tends to have fewer carbohydrates than other ethnic cuisines like Indian or Chinese. This makes Thai a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight! Thai is most often cooked with coconut oil, which is high in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).
What are the benefits of Thai black ginger? ›
The Black Ginger Plant is native to Thailand, where it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help boost the immune system, improve digestion, and promote overall health.
Is Pad Thai good for you on a diet? ›
Pad thai is a nutrient-dense dish offering many nutrients and health benefits, primarily from: Flat rice noodles: They are rich in carbs, which serve as an energy source to fuel our bodies, and selenium, an essential mineral that supports the immune system.
What Thai food is good for stomach? ›
Galangal. One of the most commonly used ingredients in Thai cuisine, galangal is a relative of ginger and, hence, contains properties that aid with digestion. It's used in Thai stir-fried noodles such as Pad Thai, as well as in Thai curries. The herb is also effective in reducing the risks of developing heart disease.
Thai food is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Many of the dishes are loaded with fresh vegetables and packed with protein for a nutritional meal. Several of the dishes that use spices and herbs will also provide added health benefits.
Is Pad Thai or pad see ew healthier? ›
While both these recipes are carb happy, Pad See Ew has fewer calories than Pad Thai. As it's also the less sweet of the two, Pad See Ew is considered slightly healthier.
