Healthy French Dining

Healthy French dining is often better done through portion control than through tampering with French dishes that were never meant to be slimmed down. These are 10 choices for healthy French food that still tastes good.

Ratatouille: It's not just a movie. This classic eggplant stew has lots of fiber and healthy fat from olive oil. One half cup of this French food has about 60 calories with 4 grams of fat and one gram of protein.

Crudités with Garlic Mayonnaise: Fresh mayonnaise with olive oil and egg yolk is still loaded with fat, but tastes much better than commercial brands. It's healthy if you eat just a little with raw vegetables at 60 calories a tablespoon with 5 grams of fat.

Grilled Fish: Grilled fish like sole or trout will be the healthiest French dishes on many menus. Four ounces of grilled sole including a little olive oil or butter will have about 220 calories with 5 grams of fat and 23 grams of protein.

Mussels: Steamed mussels are an excellent choice for healthy French dining. Resist the accompanying French fries, and 3 pounds have just 360 calories with 10 grams of fat and 40 grams of protein.

Quail: Ordering quail will help you keep your portions small. Three ounces of this French food has about 240 calories with 14 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein.

Roast Chicken: There's an old adage to order the roast chicken to find out how good any kitchen is. Four ounces has about 200 calories with 9 grams of fat and 25 grams of protein. Dark meat has more nutrients as well as flavor.

Braised Endive: Endive is a great source of fiber and vitamins. Braised in butter, two cups will have less than 100 calories with almost all the calories being the butter fat.

Poached Pear: This French food is a naturally healthy dessert. One serving will have about 145 calories with no fat so you could even add a little dark chocolate and hazelnuts.

Crème Caramel: These custards are an excellent way to end a meal. One cup has about 200 calories with 6 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein.

Dark Chocolate Mousse: These French dishes are another great closing. One half cup has about 200 calories with 9 grams of fat.

Healthy French dining is easy if you watch your portions, and balance the rich French dishes with some lighter choices.

Sources: The Daily Plate