Things can go either way with Indian food, depending on the choices you make.

Rich curries with creamy sauces should be avoided if you're watching your weight or your fat intake. Naan breads are also often made with a lot of butter, ghee or oil and can add extra unwanted calories. Deep-fried appetizers such as pakora, samosa and onion bhaji are also best left alone.

However, if you choose vegetable and tomato-based curries or dahl along with steamed rice or flatbreads such as chapatti your meal can be reasonably low in calories, provided the portion sizes are not too large.

Tandoor-cooked meats and vegetables are a good choice and go well with lower-calorie dips like raita and chutney.