Wellness Nutrition Which Is Healthier: Filet Mignon or Lobster Tail? The land-or-sea smackdown. By Leslie Barrie Updated on January 8, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Getty Images There's nothing fishy about lobster's triumph. "Ounce for ounce, it has fewer calories and less fat than even a lean filet of beef," says Stephanie Middleberg, RD, founder of Middleberg Nutrition in New York City. It's especially a good order if you're a member of the Clean Plate Club—finishing the whole thing does zero damage to your diet. "A lobster tail, at 170 calories, is nature's perfectly packaged portion," Middleberg notes. And while a tail boasting 8 ounces of meat has less protein than a comparably sized slab of steak, you're still getting close to your full recommended daily allowance. Quiz: Which Restaurant Meal Is Healthier The caveat: That cup of melted butter (300 calories and 21 grams of saturated fat in about 3 tablespoons) will drown out your best intentions. Instead, squeeze on a lemon wedge, then dip your fork in the butter before skewering a piece. More steakhouse strategies Go surf or turf Otherwise you're basically eating two meals. (Steak-and-seafood combos can run upwards of 1,000 cals!) Be smart about shrimp Popcorn shrimp are tiny but deep-fried and caloric, as are coconut shrimp. Order a shrimp cocktail to save as many as 400 cals. What Health Pros Order At Restaurants Lean up your steak Ask the server to have it prepared without butter. Most restaurants use a pat (or more) but don't mention so on the menu. Make it a Manhattan Clam chowder, that is. At about 90 calories a cup, it's at least 100 calories per cup lighter than the creamy and fatty New England variety. Which Is Healthier: Chocolate or Cheesecake Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit