Healthy Meals for Brides-to-Be Under 1,000LKR

The months leading to your wedding are the most stressful – and the busiest! While it is the happiest time, your health is bound to take a tumble with the snowballing stress levels and choices you need to start making, diet wise. Eating out can be a nightmare that needs to be navigated with much precaution - we have taken on the tasks of looking out for meals around Colombo that are not only healthy but go easier on the wallet.

Salad & Grilled Chicken at DONER & DÜRÜM

photo credits - D & D Instagram page

The chicken salad box at D&D is an affordable Rs.450 for a portion. The option of rice makes it a full meal on its own, but if you're looking for a protein combination of vegetables, this would be it. It's essential for brides-to-be to sustain energy levels and post-workout muscle repair.

A: No.128, Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Himi Mawatha, Colombo 05

T: 077 997 7993

Weekdays: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm, until midnight on weekends; closed on Monday

Zoodles at BOWL’D

photo credits - bowl'd instagram page

Bowl’d offer a dining experience that is unique, wholesome and is just what Colombo was missing. Each Poké Bowls can be customized according to your dietary preference with gluten-free and low-carb options, but doesn't compromise on palatability (Is this heaven?) The build-your-own Poké Bowl has a particularly awesome option that we cannot have enough of – salmon and zoodle (zucchini noodle) that’s just Rs. 950 – we guarantee that they don’t skimp on the salmon. Hello, glowing skin and luscious hair!

A: No. 30, Sea View Avenue, Colombo 03

T: 0114 382 838

Tuesday to Sunday: Noon until 9:00 pm; closed on Monday

Quinoa at THE BREAD COMPANY (GERMAN ARTISAN BAKERS)

photo credits - the bread company Instagram page

The German Bakery or the Bread Company is known for its fresh cut meats and bakes which is why their vegetable quinoa salad took us completely off guard. For brides who are gluten intolerant, quinoa can be a great substitute. It's rich in fibre, so this can make you feel fuller for longer hours to prevent snacking in between. For Rs. 600 a portion this is a steal!

A: No. 461, Thimbirigasyaya Road, Colombo 5

T: 072 188 8821

Open daily from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm

Hummus & Mung Beans at SUPERFOOD CAFÉ

photo credits - Superfood Instagram page

Superfood Café is known to serve some of the healthiest dishes in the most delicious way. While we yay-ed for kale, there’s only so much you can consume but Superfood Café serves an inspired menu – the tuna protein bowl for Rs.890 is ideal to get your protein intake and makes you feel full longer. This source of protein is known to be one of the richest with almost non-existent fat. The amino acids are great to sustain lean muscle post-gym or any workout leading to your wedding.

The medium-rare steak of tuna complements the fresh capsicum, roasted zucchini, fresh tomato, baby potatoes, and hummus.

A: No. 64, Davidson Road, Colombo 04

Open daily until 3:00 pm

Cous Cous at ARABIAN KNIGHTS

photo credits - Arabian Knights Instagram page

For meat-lovers, Arabian Knights do a mean savoury beef that's served with couscous. The signature Moroccan flavour is a seal of their authentic offering. For Rs. 680, the Tagine with Couscous in on our list of healthy dishes. The benefits of couscous are many – it works like a charm to build immunity and also reduce inflammation because of its rich source of Selenium.

A: No. 379, Galle Road, Kollupitiya, Colombo 03

T: 011 230 1032

Open daily until 11:00 pm

Cauliflower Fried Rice at LIFE FOODS

photo credits - Lifefoods Instagram page

For rice-lovers, there’s always the wholesome substitute of Fried Lies. Unlike its unhealthy contender, Fried Lies at Life Foods is made out of cauliflower. The vegetarian serving is Rs. 1,200 while the other variants include prawn and chicken.

A: No. A1, Perehara Mawatha Colombo 03

Open daily from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm

Soba Noodles at NOODLES – CINNAMON GRAND

photo credits - pixabay.com

Dine fancy on a budget, especially when you order the wok-fried beef with soba noodles for Rs. 650. Noodles have collected accolades of being consistent with their menu offerings, so you don’t have to compromise on your social gatherings and consume your total calorie budget in one meal.

A: No. 77, Galle Road, Colombo 3

T: 011 249 7361

Open daily from noon to 3:00 pm, and 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Counting down to your wedding shouldn’t seem like a chore or a prison sentence. With these meals valued at under 1,000LKR in Colombo, now, helps you feel the best version of yourself without the pain of bidding goodbye to your mealtime favourites.

Minoli Senanayake is a full-time marketer who counts over 10 years of experience and freelance content specialist, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. When not typing furiously on her laptop, she enjoys following dogs on Instagram, indulging her slight obsession of red lipstick, and dreaming of being a late-night talk-show host.