Fitzrovia - The Ultimate Guide to Eating Out While Losing Weight

Fitzrovia is packed with great places to eat, but if you're trying to lose weight, it can be tricky to navigate menus without derailing your progress. Whether you're counting calories, focusing on portion control, or making smarter food choices, this guide will help you stay on track while enjoying some of the best spots in the area.

Here are some of our trainer's favourite healthy food spots in Fitzrovia:

1. The Salad Project (23-25 Great Portland Street)

If you're looking for a filling but healthy meal with delicious ingredients, Fitzrovia's The Salad Project is a great choice. Their bowls are well-balanced, so there's no need to tweak them too much. However, if you're building your own bowl, be mindful that cheese and nuts can quickly push up the calorie count.

The GOAT (713 calories with dressing, 586 without) is a hearty option, while the SP Caesar is a lighter choice at 521 calories (403 without dressing). If you want something different, try the Mex on the Beach at 589 calories (503 without dressing). Be cautious of the 'Pork Mì' and 'Big Mamma', as they are the highest-calorie options on the menu.

2. Chipotle (64 Tottenham Court Road)

Chipotle on Tottenham Court Road is an easy place to keep things light while staying satisfied. For the lowest-calorie option, go for a lettuce base with beans, meat, fajita vegetables, and mild salsa - this meal clocks in at around 350 calories and packs 35g of protein. If you want something more substantial, adding rice brings it to about 510 calories with 38g of protein. Avoid tortilla chips (417 calories) and turning your bowl into a burrito (adds 297 calories). Chipotle also offers healthy snacks for those looking for quick, nutritious options.

3. Vapiano (19-21 Great Portland Street)

For Italian food without overloading on calories, Vapiano Fitzrovia offers some smart choices, including plant-based alternatives to classic dishes. Their courgette zoodles are a great low-calorie pasta alternative. Try them with Gamberetti, Speciale Beef Ragu, Bolognese, or All'Arrabbiata. If you're in the mood for salad, adding chicken or prawns to options like Mista Piccola, Rucola, Spiced Caprese, or Grain Goddess will help keep you full without excessive calories.

4. Poke House (3 Percy Street)

Poke House on Percy Street is ideal for a fresh, protein-rich meal. They offer a variety of hot dishes for those looking for a warm meal. Their pre-made Spicy Tuna Bowl and Prawn Bowl range from 520-620 calories, depending on the size. If you build your own bowl, opt for a spinach base, lean proteins like tuna, prawns, or slow-cooked chicken, and lighter toppings such as nori seaweed or coriander. Avoid calorie-heavy toppings like avocado and Philadelphia cheese.

5. Joe & The Juice ( UNIT 14, 42-44 Rathbone Place)

Joe & The Juice has quite a lot of weight-loss-friendly options. It also offers gluten free options for those with dietary restrictions. The Eggcado Bowl and Jogurt Bowl (with vegan or whey/collagen protein) are great for breakfast. For sandwiches, go for Joe's Club or Turkey and add extra turkey for more protein. Avoid the shakes, as they tend to be high in sugar and calories.

6. Nando's (190 Great Portland Street)

Nando's is always a reliable choice for healthy food, offering high-protein, lower-calorie meals. The Mediterranean Salad with Chicken Breat (490 calories) and the Chicken Butterfly with Tenderstem Broccoli and a side of Macho Peas or Rainbow Slaw (525 calories) are smart picks. While peri-peri sauce won't add too many extra calories, be mindful of piling on additional sauces and sides.

7. Farmer J (319 Regent Street)

Food quality wise, Farmer J is one of the best options available in Fitzrovia. For a lower-calorie option, choose a spinac hbase with Chermoula Chicken, Harrisa Chicken, or Flank Steak, paired with two sides like broccoli, cauliflower, or kale miso slaw. This combination will keep your meal around 500-600 calories while ensuring you get plenty of protein. The Flank Steak is the leanest protein option at 195 calories with 22g of protein.

8. Watch House (59 Wells Street)

If you're looking for a coffee spot with honest food, Watch House Fitzrovia is a good option. Their menu features high-quality ingredients and balanced meals. The Poached Eggs with Smoked Salmon & Avocado is a solid breakfast/brunch option (560 calories). Their Protein Bowl is another good pick, with lean protein and fresh greens. If you're looking for something lighter, opt for an Americano or a black coffee rather than the higher-calorie speciality drinks.

9. Lavelle Coffee (51-52 Rathbone Place)

Lavelle Coffee offers some good food options with lean protein and vegetable-packed meals, such as Whipped Goats Cheese with Green Bean Salad & Grilled Chicken, or Tenderstem Broccoli with Roasted Mushrooms and Red Bean Salad (you can ask to add chicken). Since they don't provide calorie counts, avoid pastries if you're watching your intake.

10. Volonté Café (8 Mortimer Street) 

This health-focused café on Mortimer Street is a solid choice for vibrant dishes that offer nutritious meals. Breakfast options like Turkish Eggs on Toast, Whipped Egg Omelette, and the Breakfast Bowl are great picks. For lunch, go for the Fiesta Bowl, Chilli Bowl, or Bangkok Bowl with added chicken. The portions are generous, so consider eating half if you want a lighter meal.

Final Thoughts

Healthy restaurants in London make it possible to lose weight without sacrificing eating out. Fitzrovia has plenty of restaurants that offer balanaced, satisfying meals that won't set you back. By making smart choices - opting for lean proteins, avoiding calorie-heavy add-ons, and watching portion sizes - you can still enjoy eating out!