At Chutney Indian Restaurant in Columbia, the fragrant smells of warm curry, jasmine rice, and fresh baked naan fill the air all day long. This authentic Indian eatery’s convenient location makes it a good choice when you’re on a lunch break or running errands in the area.

Their lunch buffet boasts all of your favorite meat and vegetarian dishes, from chicken tikka masala to chana masala, as well as tasty sides like rice, samosas, and mango chutneys. For dinner, you’ll find entrees with heaping portions of biryanis, tandoori platters, and various curries, each served with so many sides that you’ll likely end up with leftovers. The takeout options are just as popular as the restaurant’s dine-in service, and if you’re busy, you can even order delivery to anywhere in the immediate Columbia area.

Chutney Indian Restaurant
9400 Snowden River Parkway
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 381-3600
www.chutneymd.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chutney-indian-restaurant-columbia-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr kennejima

If you want to treat yourself to some new clothes or those great sneakers that you’ve had your eye on, you’ll find all kinds of clothing and accessories at The Mall in Columbia. This local mall is home to all of your favorite national chain retailers, including Macy’s, Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor. For trendier finds, H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch and Express offer stylish options for men and women, while Foot Locker and Finish Line boast name brand sneakers and other styles of shoes.

There are also stores for children, bath and beauty stores and even a few options with stylish home décor items. The Mall at Columbia is large and modern, with a spacious food court with some upscale options like P.F. Chang’s and the Cheesecake Factory. If you’re not in the mood for shopping, take in one of the latest blockbusters at the mall’s AMC movie theater.

The Mall at Columbia
10300 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 730-3300
www.themallincolumbia.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-mall-in-columbia-columbia-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr JonoMueller

Dieting is never easy, but once you know the right foods to eat you'll start to see the pounds melt away. Here are a few smart foods that will help you to lose weight and stay fuller for longer.

1. Beans and legumes. Foods like black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are high in fiber, which builds muscle and helps to keep you feeling full. Beans are also very inexpensive, and they’re a great alternative to meat for those who are vegan or vegetarian.
2. Dark chocolate. If you have a sweet tooth that just won’t quit, it doesn’t have to sabotage your whole diet. Dark chocolate is a great alternative to sugary milk chocolate, cakes, and cookies, and it is also lower in calories. Just be sure to mind your portion sizes!
3. Eggs and turkey sausage. Eating a protein-packed breakfast will help you to stay on track for the rest of the day. Eggs are great because they’re versatile and can be prepared a number of different ways, and lean turkey sausage is much lower in fat than traditional pork sausage. Eat this meal with a side of fresh fruit to start your morning off right.
4. Avocado. You may think that you need to avoid eating fat in order to, well, lose fat, but healthy fats like avocado are actually an important part of any lean diet. The oleic acid found in avocados helps to quiet hunger, and these superfoods are also packed with fiber and protein.

9 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [WebMD]
Best Superfoods for Weight Loss [Health.com]
15 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [Good Housekeeping]
Use These 8 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [U.S. News]

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