Worrying about where to eat? We’ve all been there.

Finding a decent restaurant can be tough especially when you're on a diet. It's like you want to enjoy your cheat day but don't want to feel as if you've eaten three whole months of dieting in just one sitting. Some restaurants offer really good food but more often than not, unwanted calories and fat come for free.

I've always been in a constant search for good places and finally have come up with my top 5 choices! Here are a few good places where you can stick to the “rules”, enjoy your guilt-free day, and not add those unwanted extra pounds.

Shaburi

Shaburi is an all-you-can-eat Japanese shabu-shabu restaurant which offers a good selection of affordable and delicious buffet plates. They have generously healthy servings and awesome choices too!

Suggested dishes: Regular beef, mushrooms, tofu, and Napa cabbage in a hot miso soup.
Plus points: Has an on-going Weekday Lunch Buffet Plate Set promo for P399.00!

Visit Shaburi at 4F Uptown Mall (Veranda), Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For reservations, contact +632 978 2481, +632 805 2932, +63 917 708 3930.

Nanbantei of Tokyo

Experience authentic Japanese culture with a bite of their Yakitori! Offering a hip and healthy way of Japanese grilling, you would definitely not regret spending your cheat days here. They also have a wide selection of beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetable dishes for you to choose from.

Suggested dishes: Beef Yakiniku, Baby Squid, Tofu
Plus points: Classic Yakitori starts at P100.00!

Visit Nanbantei of Tokyo at Bonifacio High Street or Greenbelt 3. For inquiries, call +632 377 2636 (Bonifacio High Street) or +632 757 4130 to 31 (Greenbelt 3).

Bulgogi Brothers

Grab a bite of authentic Korean cuisine and bulgogi marinated barbequed meat at Bulgogi Brothers! Koreans love their side dishes. When you order, they will immediately serve you a bunch of tiny platters with rich tasting Banchans (side dishes).

Suggested dishes: Kimchi Stew, Unyang-style beef, Beef Brisket Bulgogi
Plus points: Halloween Bibimbap Madness! Click here to get the promo! Until Oct. 31 only.

Visit Bulgogi Brothers at Resorts World Manila (+632 501 3583), Greenbelt 5 (+632 621 5289/+632 621 6216), SM Mall of Asia (+632 511 0639), Alabang Town Center (+632 919 6840/+632 754 1476), and SM Lanang Premier (+6382 285 2593).

Local Edition

Local Edition is a quaint coffee shop in Perea Street in Makati where you can grab a brew of 100% homegrown beans. Their menu is made up of light, delectable dishes perfect to pair with coffee.

Suggested dish: Gooey Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Plus points: Lunch specials are served from 11 am to 2pm where you can choose half and half servings of their best sellers!

Visit Local Edition at 116 Perea Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. For information, contact +63 905 444 8797.

Rustan's Marketplace

When in doubt, head to Rustan’s Marketplace where everything is always guaranteed fresh! They offer Everyday Gourmet where you can choose from exceptional food finds that are surely delicious and healthy.

True to their message of shopping for food as a pleasure, Rustan’s Marketplace will not let you leave with your loot feeling guilty.

Suggested buys: Lime and pepper chicken, greens from the salad bar
Plus points: SALE! SALE! SALE!

Visit a Rustan’s Supermarket at Central Square BGC, Taguig (+632 958 5336), San Antonio, Makati (+632 817 8379), and Rockwell, Makati (+632 898 1273).

Remember that dieting shouldn’t be dying with a T. A proper balance between a strict discipline and moderate indulgence is key to a healthy and happy you!

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Where are you headed on your cheat day? Tell us about it in the comments below!