Ultimate Guide to Healthy Chinese Food

Chinese food is one of the most popular ethnic cuisines in America and throughout the world. It is quick and delicious and offers a nice alternative to fast food. Traditional Chinese food is relatively low in fat, with an emphasis on rice, noodles and vegetables. However, some Chinese food can be very high in calories and fat if one does not order smartly. Here are some tips on how to order healthfully from Chinese food restaurants. Here is the ultimate guide to healthy Chinese food.

To start, why not try some soup? Most soups on a Chinese menu are very low in fat, and a great way to start a meal. I suggest chicken or vegetable with rice soup, or even egg drop. Chinese food appetizers can be high in fat, such as fried wontons and egg rolls. Instead, try steamed dumplings. The vegetable dumplings are simply delicious.

When ordering main entrees, look for items that are steamed, braised, roasted, simmered, or stir fried (ask for foods to be stir fried with little or no oil). Try vegetable-based dishes to further lower fat and calories. Many Chinese food restaurants now offer steamed traditional items such as chicken and broccoli, with varying sauces on the side. Try these dishes with some steamed rice for a healthful meal. You can even go one step further in the direction of healthy and ask for brown rice.

When ordering noodles and rice, order them plain, not fried.

Be aware that meats in sweet and sour dishes are often breaded and fried. Instead, ask for roasted and grilled meats to cut down on the fat and calories.

Most Chinese cuisine is very high in sodium, from the use of MSG and soy sauce. You can request that your meals be prepared without MSG, and you can request low-sodium soy sauce. Dishes prepared with hot mustard, sweet and sour sauce, plum or duck sauce, tend to be low in sodium.

For dessert, go ahead and enjoy that fortune cookie, with a nice cup of grain tea. The fortune cookie has only 15 calories and is a wonderful way to end a delicious meal.