These are the healthiest pub meals, according to a dietitian

You might be surprised by what made the list 

Keep portions in mind when ordering your next pub lunch. Image: iStock

From midweek steak nights to long Sunday lunches, hitting the local watering hole for a meal is a regular occurrence for many of us. According to dietitian Susie Burrell, some items on the menu are smarter picks than others, however.

At some point when socialising with friends we find ourselves in a pub surrounded by fried food. 

While pub meals can be cost-effective, they are also notoriously unhealthy, heavy meals loaded with calories, fat and salt, generally washed down with a generous pour of wine or beer. 

So, if you do find yourself perusing a pub menu, here are the best options, even if it means taking home some leftovers to help lower the overall calorie load.

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Grilled fish

Another menu item that you can usually find on any pub menu is fish and chips, and while fried is the default option, a simple request for grilled fish will translate this high-fat, fried option into a much lighter, calorie-controlled choice, especially if you order a salad on the side in place of chips. 

It is also becoming more common to see a salmon or barramundi dish featured on a pub menu, and while these meals do tend to be a little pricier, they are certainly one of the best options nutritionally – high in protein and good fats, and often served with salad, or vegetables, while you will pay more, you are certainly paying for a more nutritious meal. 

Chicken schnitzel

This one may come as a surprise to many since it is a deep-fried option but since schnitzel is one of the most common meal options on a pub menu, it can also be one of the better ones, especially if you steer clear of the extra sauces or cheese toppings. 

With a decent amount of protein and a meal that can be ordered with a side of vegetables or salad rather than fries, compared to other options like deep-fried calamari, fish and chips or a massive burger, a plain schnitzel is one of the better options. 

As portions are generally massive, you can also split the portion and make it into two meals, or take half home for lunch the next day as a way to support calorie control. 

Image: iStock

Steak

The great thing about a pub menu is that there is always a range of different steaks on the menu, and for meat eaters, this means you can grab a hit of iron with your standard pub order. 

Leaner cuts include an eye fillet or sirloin, and if you can be strong and skip the side of chips for vegetables or salad you will create a relatively well-balanced, nutrient-rich pub meal.

Pasta

Another choice that may surprise you, but if you compare a plain bowl of tomato-based potato and a side salad to the large range of fried options on a typical pub menu, you can see why it is a better option. 

While relatively high in carbs, if you opt for a seafood or tomato-based sauce, and order a side of salad or vegetables, you will be able to enjoy a tasty, filling meal that contains much less fat than the majority of fried menu options. 

Image: iStock

Salad

Whilst a Caesar contains more fat than salad, many pubs offer a number of different salads, and if you can find a warm lamb or beef option, or even Greek or beetroot that you can order prawns, chicken or lean beef with, you will be on a winner. 

There may be a little extra creamy dressing or cheese or nuts added, but overall, most salads, with the exception of Caesar or pasta-based salad will be a smart choice nutritionally. 

Originally published as These are the healthiest pub meals, according to a dietitian