Close to one-third of people in Singapore eat out more often than they do at home.¹ Many opt to grab meals at hawker centres and food courts because they offer a wide variety of tasty local and international dishes at an inexpensive price.

 

It is also common for Singaporeans to veer towards unhealthier food choices, sometimes simply because they don't have time to queue for the healthier options. Local favourites such as nasi lemak, chicken rice, laksa, roti prata and char kway teow can be higher in cholesterol and packed with excessive calories, fat, sodium and sugar.

 

By fine-tuning your selection, you can still enjoy the convenience and affordability of going to a hawker centre or food court while limiting the long term implications that eating out could have on your health.  

 

Here are five smart food choices you can make at hawker centres and food courts which would be better for your health.

While many of the dishes served in hawker centres and food courts may be unhealthy, there are some options that tend to be better than others, you should always opt to go for those.

 

By choosing the healthiest options available, you can still enjoy tasty dishes at reasonable prices. Meals that include deep fried ingredients, creamy sauces or curries and those that are dripping in oil or fat are logically ones you should avoid.

 

Here is a list of some food options you could order in hawker centres and food courts where you can select more vegetables and lean meats, and avoid deep fried and sauce components.

 

Of course, even when you choose these or other healthier meals at hawker centres and food courts, you should still be aware of how they are prepared to ensure they are indeed healthier options.

Even after picking out meals that tend to be the healthiest on offer, you can often further improve it by simply asking.

 

Look out if the stall you are ordering from offers a healthier alternative to some components of the meal. Since the launch of the Healthier Dining Programme in 2012,² stalls are increasingly offering healthier options such as brown rice, which is richer in fibre and vitamins, as well as serving larger portions of vegetables and alternative sauces to make their meals healthier.

 

On your part, and depending on the dish you order, you could ask for a smaller portion of rice or noodles to reduce your carbohydrate intake as well as skip gravies and avoid drinking certain soups because they are usually laden with sugar, salt and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

With one in three individuals in Singapore at risk of developing diabetes in their lifetime⁶, taking steps to fuel your body with the right nourishment today will ensure you keep tabs and regulate your weight.

 

This may also lower your risk of contracting chronic diseases and increase life expectancy, and likely lead to a reduced bill of medical and insurance expenses over your lifetime.

 

In addition, you are more likely to enjoy positive outcomes in your work and social life as being healthier boosts your productivity at work, possibly putting you in line for promotions.

 

Some studies have also shown that depression may be linked to diet. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can also lead to better moods and energy which will enhance your social life.

 

Making small changes such as eating a little healthier in your everyday meals can improve your life and encourage you to make more significant lifestyle changes that will improve your quality of life in the long run.

 

AIA Vitality is our wellness programme designed to motivate you stay the course on such lifestyle changes by rewarding you for the better choices you make. Find out more about how AIA Vitality can support your lifestyle improvements today.