Sushi, Schmushi

Let me say this upfront: I love sushi. It is on my Top 5 list of favorite foods; probably in the Top 3.

So I was disappointed, to say the least, to discover that sushi rolls - as I like to enjoy them - are loaded with calories! Who knew?

Standard sushi, in moderation, is not a terrible choice when you're dieting, unless you're on a low-carb program. But the tasty "tempura" style rolls - like my favorite, the shrimp tempura roll - provide a whopping 508 calories, 21 grams of fat and 64 carb grams! Whoa!

There are healthier rolls to be had: the California roll at 255 calories, 7 fat grams and 38 carbs per; Maguro (tuna) roll at 184 calories, 2 fat grams and 27 carbs; or the lighter Kappa Maki (cucumber roll) with 136 calories, no fat and 30 carb grams.

This week, I was craving a sushi fix and, after doing my research, decided to try sashimi instead of my traditional rolls. Sashimi is raw fish. No roll, no rice. I was nervous, but willing to give it try considering the numbers:

• 1 serving of yellowtail tuna adds only 41 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and zero carbs to the daily tally.
• 1 helping of salmon equals 52 calories, 3.1 fat grams and, again, no carbs!
• A serving of fresh red snapper offers a paltry 22 calories, .04 grams of fate and zero carbs!

Granted, sashimi isn't quite as satisfying as sushi with the absence of rice and all those luscious mayonnaise-based sauces but I think it's a taste you can acquire. And you can still add your wasabi and ginger (go easy on the soy sauce) and come away with a satisfying and SO good-for-you meal.

Am I a sashimi convert? Not quite. But it's good to know there is a low-calorie option at my local sushi bar that's almost - ALMOST - as satisfying as those sushi rolls I adore.