How do our food experts cook & eat? This week, the founder of Calorie Counter, celebrating its 10th year anniversary, Duaine Peiris takes our Q&A!

What’s the moment that started Calorie Counter?
The journey of Calorie Counter began with my own personal transformation. As a former sportsman, transitioning into a corporate lifestyle led me to a point where I weighed 137 kg, with a 46-inch waist and a shirt size of 18.5. The turning point came when a close family member battling multiple non-communicable diseases opened my eyes to the impact of an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. Determined to make a change, I committed to transforming my health and, over two years, successfully lost 55 kg. Through this journey, I discovered that food plays a massive role—90% of any healthy lifestyle change comes from what we eat. This realization, coupled with extensive research and self-reflection, inspired me to introduce the concept of healthy eating to Sri Lanka by founding Calorie Counter.

Calorie Counter is celebrating 10 years! What have been your biggest wins?
A decade is no small milestone, and we are deeply grateful for how far we’ve come. One of our proudest achievements is not just growing within Sri Lanka but also having the honour of taking a wholly Sri Lankan brand to the world. It’s a testament to our vision of making healthy eating accessible while showcasing the quality and innovation Sri Lanka has to offer on a global stage.

What’s something surprising about Calorie Counter that people hardly know about?
Many people assume it’s a foreign chain when they visit, but it’s actually a wholly Sri Lankan brand—founded, built, and nurtured right here in Sri Lanka. Another little-known fact is that I’m not a restaurateur by profession. I started this journey from scratch, learning everything along the way...

How does Calorie Counter work?
Calorie Counter is a health-focused lifestyle restaurant that provides wholesome meals from breakfast to dinner. We offer meal plans, subscription-based meals, and even cater to events, all with a detailed calorie count and macro breakdown to help our customers maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

What was it like to introduce clean eating and counting calories back in 2015 and how has it changed over the years?
Definitely a challenge. At the time, healthy eating was a relatively new concept in Sri Lanka, and many people were unfamiliar with the idea of counting calories or focusing on balanced nutrition. It required significant effort to educate customers and raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating habits and their impact on overall wellness. Over the years, we’ve seen a remarkable shift. People have become more health conscious and aware of the connection between food and lifestyle diseases.

The top 3 dishes from Calorie Counter?
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken  - Garlic-infused honey mustard grilled chicken with pineapple & watermelon salsa.  
Salmon Steak - Norwegian Salmon Steak with avocado puree & citrus orange compote
Heavenly Dark Chocolate Melt

What’s the trick to balancing the right portions and calories while keeping the flavours?
It’s all about getting the right nutritional balance. What often leaves people feeling hungry isn’t the number of calories but the lack of proper nutrients. It’s not just about cutting calories—it’s about the right mix of macronutrients (proteins, carbs, and fats) to keep you satisfied and energized. That’s exactly what Calorie Counter focuses on and has mastered over the years—delivering flavourful meals that are both nutritious and filling.

What food misconception do you dislike?
The misuse and misunderstanding of the word “diet.” People often associate it with extreme restrictions or quick fixes, but in reality, a diet simply refers to the food you consume regularly. It’s about making informed, sustainable choices, not temporary fads. Another misconception is the belief in “quick fixes” like weight loss pills. There are no shortcuts to good health. True transformation comes from consistency, discipline, and understanding your body.

What’s your fondest memory associated with food?
Oh wow, that’s a very hard question because I’m a true foodie! When building the Calorie Counter menu, I always told my chefs that food is all about the taste and the visual appeal. To answer your question, I’m a huge fan of Sri Lankan food—nothing beats a good plate of rice and curry. My absolute favourites are pol sambol, crispy dry fish, tender kos (jackfruit curry), and flavourful Wambatu Moju. Just thinking about it is mouth-watering!

You have outlets in Colombo, Galle and Negombo as well as franchises in Kuwait and Maldives – which outlet is your personal favourite?
 Galle–because of the cultural diversity and rich history it embodies. Galle is not just about the location; it’s the unique blend of heritage, the bustling energy of both locals and tourists and the way Calorie Counter seamlessly fits into that dynamic environment.

Advice for someone who wants to start a healthy lifestyle?
Don’t Think Big, Start Small: Focus on making small, manageable changes instead of overwhelming yourself with drastic shifts. Drinking more water, adding more veggies to your meals, or taking short walks can create a big impact over time.

Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Small actions done consistently will lead to long-term results.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: A healthy lifestyle is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. What matters is getting back on track and staying committed.