Dining Out Italian Tips

• Skip the bread basket; a typical roll dipped in olive oil contains 270 calories and 14g of fat.
• Start with a salad (not caprese) or a minestrone soup.
• Pass on the dressing, and instead use balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese for flavor.
• If you’re craving pasta, opt for the whole wheat kind, and share with a friend or order an appetizer portion as your main.
• Avoid fried foods, like calamari, eggplant, or chicken Parmesan.
• Avoid creamy sauces and high-fat cheeses, such as blue cheese, goat cheese and Fontina.
• Always request for your dishes to be prepared "light" (less oil) and ask for sauces to be served on the side.
• If vegetables contain oil, butter or sauce, eat half of the serving.
• If vegetables are plain and steamed, eat as much as you like.
• Feel free to order a cup of tea or coffee to help satisfy your sweet-tooth at the meal’s end.
• As for alcohol, wine and spirits are perfectly fine in moderation, but to save calories steer clear of sugary mixers, sweet dessert wines, and a regular beer.
• When it comes to dessert, stick to the three-bite rule. Studies show that people always rate the first and last bites as the best. Three bites give you a first, middle, and last, which is all you need to appreciate a dessert completely.

About Aria

I love a busy, scene-y restaurant, but sometimes it’s a welcome break to go somewhere decidedly more relaxed. You know: dim lights, great wine, and a menu full of shareables perfect for splitting amongst a few friends. If all this sounds appealing then Aria may be the perfect spot for you.

Located in the west village, Aria is a cozy wine bar whose specialty is Italian tapas. The ambience is earthy and laid back, with exposed brick, rustic wood tables, and a gorgeous white tiled bar.  The wait staff is friendly and the atmosphere lends itself to sipping on wine while chatting with your friend for hours and hours on end.

The food here is delicious, of course, though truth be told the menu isn’t overwhelmingly F-Factor friendly. That said, the more indulgent items are fine if split with a friend and nothing is taboo as long as you abide by the “three bite” rule. Don’t think you have that kind of self control? No fear! The fork may be in your hand but we took care of deciphering the diet friendly dishes for you here:

From the Aria Menu

Appetizers(s)

• Bresola

Main(s)

• Mozzarella Promodoro Basilico
• Insalata Di Mare E Sedano
• Carciofi E Olive
• Polpette Al Pomodoro
• Calamari In Umido
• Costicine D'Agnello

Beverages(s)

• Diet or club soda
• Unsweetened coffee or tea
• Wine or spirits on the rocks/with club soda

Dessert(s)

• Any dessert following three-bite rule

Remember Portion Size

Men: Eat 3/4 portion of lean protein
Aim for 4-6 oz., or the length of a man’s hand.

Women: Eat 1/2 portion of lean protein
Aim for 3-5 oz., or the size of a deck of cards.

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