The Rules of Chinese Takeout
By Sara Butler
Chinese food may sound like the perfect food to accompany your Netflix binge, but it can be dangerous to your health! Chinese food notoriously is loaded with salt, highly processed ingredients, and chemicals such as MSG. Plus, a lot of it is deep fried, and you know that’s not good for you. But fear not, because it is possible for you to enjoy Chinese food without totally blowing away your healthy eating habits. Here are a few tips to help you make some healthier Chinese choices.
Opt for Soup
Egg rolls may be delicious, but they’re also deep fried. If you need a little something extra with your meal, then opt for egg drop soup instead. It’s low in calories and can help to fill you up and keep you from overeating. The only thing to be on the lookout for is the salt. Soups are notorious for containing a lot of salt, so try to limit your intake to just one cup.
Go Steamed
Steamed dumplings will always be a better choice than the fried. One steamed dumpling contains about 80 calories. On the other hand, one fried dumpling can have over 300 -- and that doesn’t even account for the fat contained in a fried dumpling. Stick to steamed and try to resist adding too much sauce, too. It’s filled with sodium. You can also try spring rolls that aren’t fried instead of an egg roll.
Go for Oyster Sauce
Many people love the sweet and sour options their local Chinese restaurant offers, but those dishes are fried and too sweet to be healthy. If you want to cut down on the sugar and calories, then go for oyster sauce. It’s broth-based, so it’s lighter and lower in sugar than other sauces. It still has a fair share of salt, though, so beware!
Love the Lo Mein
Shrimp lo mein is a great choice for you since it often is lower in calories than other choices, high in protein, and low in fat. Just request that it’s prepared with very light oil and with extra vegetables for flavor. This helps you to feel satisfied for longer without breaking your calorie bank!
Toss the Cookies
Fortune cookies may be a part of the Chinese food tradition, but they’ve got a lot of sugar. Don’t indulge in the cookie; just take the fortune for the perfect ending to a healthier Chinese food meal!
You can enjoy Chinese food and stay healthy, you simply need to know how to do it right!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.