Flickr: jlastras
When curry cravings hit, it can be difficult to say no. Curry is now the most popular cuisine in the UK and there is an array of choice when it comes to the nation's favourite dish - chicken tikka masala.
Of course, there is a price to be paid, and it's not just your pocket that's going to suffer. A takeaway chicken tikka masala offers, on average, a whopping 680 calories - and that's before you add pilau rice, which contains around 280 calories per portion.
The good news is you can still enjoy your favourite curry, but at a reduced calorie count by opting for a ready meal version from your local supermarket. Tesco, for example, offers a chicken tikka masala at a much lower 555 calories per pack; and also offers a Light Choices Chicken Tikka Masala & Rice at 470 calories per serving.
Additionally, switching your pilau rice for boiled rice offers big calorie savings. There are 120 calories in 300g of plain rice - half the number of calories you'd find in pilau rice.
If you simply cannot resist your local takeaway, calories can be saved by choosing an alternative. Instead of creamy curries like masala, ordering tomato-based dishes such as a jalfrezi, bhuna or madras can help. Choosing these over cream-based dishes can save around 100 calories per serving.
Sacrificing a calorie laden naan bread for a tasty chapati also cuts the calories. The average plain naan contains 455 calories, while a chapati has a much lighter count of around 110 calories.