Welcome to Where Dietitians Eat Out, a series that showcases examples of how nutrition experts approach food choices and real-life dining scenarios around the world. Learn tips for making healthier choices at restaurants and maintaining a balanced diet when dining out. Because enjoying food is important to developing a healthy and sustainable way of eating.
Michaela Sparrow is a clinical nutritionist, naturopath and anti-aging practitioner from Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Planning what to eat is key for her when eating out, but even when she plans a “cheat” meal, Mikayla still looks for nutritious menu items.
“I like to know what my choices are beforehand so I’m not overwhelmed or tempted by unhealthy choices,” she shares. “I wonder if they serve a nice steak, or some kind of healthy seafood dish.”
Planning meals out in advance not only helps Michaela satisfy her taste buds, but also helps her achieve her nutritional goals. “Then I can also plan if I want some sides, like a bowl of greens or a salad to add nutritional value.”
To prepare for meals out, Sparrow also strategically eats high-protein snacks in advance.
“I try to eat one before I go out in the afternoon so I don’t starve early and don’t overeat,” says Michaela.
Here’s a look at some of Michaela’s favorite healthy restaurants in Newcastle, NSW.
Michaela Sparrow’s favorite healthy restaurant in Newcastle, Australia
1. grateful thai people
30 Pearson St, Charlestown New South Wales, 2290, Australia
Food type: Thailand
Why she loves it: “I Love it because it’s fresh, delicious, not too heavy, and has lots of super healthy, guilt-free options to choose from. This is my favorite “I’m too lazy to cook but want to be healthy” place to order.
Preferred order: “Chili and basil are stir-fried with beef or green chicken curry.
2. Steakhouse Grill
88 Hobart Road, New Lambton, 2305, NSW
Food type: Steaks and BBQ
Why she loves it: “I Love it because I can get simple high quality protein rich low carb meals and they have a variety of healthy veggie side dishes. The steaks are always cooked to perfection and service is quick.
Preferred order: “Be it rump or sirloin steak – cooked medium rare and served with green beans and gem salad on the side.
3. Locke’s Paddock
16 Watt St, Newcastle East, NSW
Food type: Italian Fusion Cuisine
Why she loves it: “This is our go-to restaurant for a delicious cheat meal. They have the best pasta and wine. The food is of high quality, the cocktails are great and the service is great. Although the food was plentiful, I never felt guilty about eating so much here.
Preferred order: “Tasmanian black mussels (honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever had), cacio e pepe (who doesn’t love their pasta with giant cheese wheels?) and hand rolls Gnocchi.
4. kingfish
Unit 19/15-17 Honeysuckle Drive, Honeysuckle, New South Wales
Food type: seafood
Why she loves it: “Kingfish has some of the best seafood in Newcastle. I like it because they offer healthier options and more indulgent options. It has a casual atmosphere and the service is quick. Their quality is also very consistent.
Preferred order: “Scallops (cooked in the most delicious butter/garlic sauce), fresh rock oysters or citrus marinated kingfish ceviche.
5. 8 Trinity College
81 Trinity Point, Morisset Park, NSW
Food type: Modern Australia/Seafood
Why she loves it: “This is one of our quirky choices to go to when it comes to feeling bougie and family celebrations. This is truly one of the best meals we have ever had. It’s actually easy to eat healthily here (although it’s easy to eat a lot), or be a little more decadent.
Preferred order: “Seafood bouillabaisse (like a hug from the inside), sirloin steak, Singapore chilli shrimp or a seafood platter.”
Learn more about Michaela Sparrow on her website or follow her on Instagram.
