"Memoirs" of A Gay-Sha: Calorically-Conscious Japanese Food

Everybody knows that going away to college comes with a few "hiccups," one of which being the loathsome "freshman fifteen." I don't know about any of you, but I wouldn't specifically sort weight fluctuation into one collegiate year. Some people don't experience a change until their junior or senior years! Either way, my goal in this sub-section of my blog is to share some tips based on local Fordham "hot spots" to eat with friends. Your social life doesn't cease to exist just because you are watching your food consumption! <-- That was something that took me a long time to learn on the "yo-yo" roller coaster of coming into new eating habits. Your friends will still love you even when you're no longer ordering the same things that they do.

Today's Eatery For Fordham Scholars:

Umai Fusion, Japanese Cuisine (Arthur Avenue)

Here is a selection of some of the healthier items in place of your typical order of "tempura anything" (Because let's be honest people; we love it fried!)

Entrees:

Fantasy Island
Mixed raw seafood on half an avocado with special sauce.

Sushi Rolls
Substitute the standard white rice with brown rice - While it is an up-charge to your bill, it will not break the bank on your scale!

*Note - Always beware of sauces: do your homework first, but don't write them off completely. Indulge a little!

Rice People - Pay Attention! This one's for you!
If you're in the mood for rice, try and order steamed brown rice - you can always doctor it up with some ginger dressing (sounds gross, tastes awesome) OR some low-sodium soy sauce.

Side Dishes/Soups/Salads: The most filling with the least guilt

--> Steamed Broccoli (Warning: Order it without garlic sauce if you plan to go out to the bars that night - you never know who you'll see, and the last thing you want to be remembered for is your stank breath!)

--> Soups - Most Japanese soups are made with minimal ingredients. This, however, should not take away from the amount of sodium contained. Beware of water retention - the scale will frighten you, but only for a day or two.

--> Salads - Go to town but bring your brain with you! Dressing on the side is a key success factor. A little bit goes a long way.