How to Eat Healthy at a Chinese Restaurant

A typical Chinese take out restaurant is a common scene in many American cities. After all, on average, Americans eat Chinese food 20 times a year. While Chinese food may be delicious, doctors and scientists agree that the human body doesn't think so. In fact, Chinese food is a nutritional disaster. Take my favorite Chinese dish, General Tso's chicken, which is battered and fried chicken. This tasty plate packs on around 1,500 calories and has 40% more sodium than the typical person needs in a day. Plus, I haven't even added fried rice and an egg roll that comes with every meal. Chinese food really knocks out good nutrition, even the appetizers and vegetables. Some Chinese vegetables can have up to 600 calories. But why? Well, most Chinese vegetables are fried and are often salted or laced with soy sauce, obviously containing high amounts of sodium

What people don't realize is that although (most) Chinese food these days does not contain MSG, it still isn't good for you, just like it wasn't about 20 years ago when studied by doctors and scientists. But many consider this a good thing because other food has gotten much worse for you. However, hypertension, high blood pressure, and a growing waste line are all on a typical Chinese menu still.

Though if you're like me and you can't give up Chinese food, there is hope. Through dining at many Chinese restaurants, I've picked up many tips and tricks to be a healthier Chinese restaurant goer. The best part is you don't have to sip water and raw vegetables either. You can indulge in a healthy way:

Tip 1) Order brown rice. Many Chinese meals come with white rice, but this is a no-no! Brown rice is so much healthier and contains less starch and less calories. Brown rice (I think) tastes better when eating with the rest of a meal.

Tip 2) Leftovers. With so many calories inside a typical dish, you shouldn't strain to eat it all in one sitting. Ask for a container to take your food home and eat tomorrow. Chinese food usually keeps well and you'll be able to divide up the calories between 2 or 3 meals instead of just 1.