Lightest chinese food?

siinahei
siinahei Posts: 7
in Food and Nutrition
Hi everyone,

I have a bit of a strange worry. I am going for chinese with my boyfriend and his friends tonight. I am asking your help so that I don't end up ordering a 1,000 calorie dinner! I'm a vegetarian so I usually just go for a veggie chow mein but after doing my research it looks like one of the worst choises!
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Replies

  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,222 Member
    Do you think you'll gain weight eating a 1000 cal meal? Generally when I go out to eat, which is a rare event, I generally just eat what I want. Not sure what would qualify for light, sorry couldn't help.
  • wyattj99
    wyattj99 Posts: 454 Member
    I'm thinking the same thing..one meal doesn't hurt in moderation. If it's a buffet just portion control.
  • siinahei
    siinahei Posts: 7
    thanks for your reply, much appreciated. I only try and ask for help because I prefer the lighter choice.
  • Sunbrooke
    Sunbrooke Posts: 632 Member
    I love Chinese steamed veggies, with steamed rice, and teriyaki chicken, or garlic shrimp. Soups are usually a good bet for watching calories, but the ones at Chinese restaurants tend to be loaded with sodium. You can also ask for lots if veggies if you order a stir fry. They do t usually mind giving you more veggies and less meat. If your boyfriend doesn't mind, you could share two enters, one with a lot of veggies an the other something fried. That way you both get variety. (I learned that trick from a friend on here.)
  • siinahei
    siinahei Posts: 7
    thanks Sunbrooke, that's a good idea. :)
  • 1shauna1
    1shauna1 Posts: 993 Member
    It's probably the noodles that make it so calorie-heavy, as they are usually fried. Since you're vegetarian, you're good with lots of veggies and even tofu. Look for something with steamed rice instead of the noodles. Maybe they will sub the rice for noodles in a dish you want. Also, Chinese has a lot of sodium in the sauces usually so drink lots of water!
  • aakaakaak
    aakaakaak Posts: 1,240 Member
    Chinese places usually have decent hot wings, or these mutant sized fried chicken wings....or...you're vegetarian...yeah.

    Steamed veggies it is, unless they have tofu options.

    Also, try and skip the rice if you can.
  • swaymyway
    swaymyway Posts: 428 Member
    I work in a Chinese and get a free meal each night - pretty much everything in a Chinese is going to be fried in a wok or deep fried so it's hard to find a healthy option. Go for something that isn't battered, go for something in gravy or with the sauce seperate (as all the sauces are absolutely loaded with sugar and/or salt).

    I usually opt for Chicken and mushroom - it's unbattered chicken breast, comes in gravy with mushrooms and onions (and peas that I ask to be added) and a couple of scoops of boiled rice.

    edit: Doh just rememebered you said you were vegetarian! I am not sure what to suggest in the vegetarian options then - probably mushroom chop suey.
  • tlcarolinagirl
    tlcarolinagirl Posts: 1,700 Member
    Chinese food is definitely a weakness of mine. What Sunbrooke said about the soup is spot on, loaded with sodium. My go to order, Steamed chicken w/brocolli, white rice, and brown sauce on the side. I usually walk away with having consumed about 500 calories. If you are worried about calories so much and afraid you may go over, work out hard at some point during the day. That'll make you earn back some calories and give you happy endorphins :-). Good luck.
  • condoleezachiapet
    condoleezachiapet Posts: 105
    As an asian-american kid, I tend to avoid americanized chinese chain restaurants. If you're trying to eat healthy there, ask if they have an authentic menu (one separate from the typical kung pao chicken, moo goo gai pan, etc). Typically they'll offer some light yet really flavorful noodle soups. Veggie fried rice should be fine too, in moderation.
  • cheripugh1
    cheripugh1 Posts: 357 Member
    thanks for your reply, much appreciated. I only try and ask for help because I prefer the lighter choice.

    Check online to see if the place you are going has their menu online, often they will have the calories and nutrition values listed for their main foods.

    Keep in mind that anything steamed is a better choice, less or no sauce is also a major plus. But here is the best idea I was ever shown (and now follow) ask for a to-go box immediately, make it clear you want it before or with your meal. Then when the meal comes put 1/2 of it in the to-go container... yep not a bite until you have put 1/2 away to bring home. Works two-fold first you won't eat too much at one setting, we often say we won't be we get to talking and well it taste so good! the other win is you have a meal for the next days lunch or dinner!

    Enjoy you meal out.. if all else fails restrict yourself the next day and/or add another workout!
  • summerlauren007
    summerlauren007 Posts: 8 Member
    The Weight Watchers site has this comparison of different Chinese foods. Basically, lower points values mean lower calories/more nutritional value (i.e., for a 100 calorie chicken breast and a 100 calorie snack pack, the chicken breast would have lower points). Hope this helps!

    Four: Has a PointsPlus™ value of:
    Steamed pork dumplings 7
    Steamed shrimp dumplings 5
    Steamed vegetable dumplings 4

    One cup of: Has a PointsPlus value of:
    Wonton soup (with 4 wontons) 5
    Hot and sour soup 3
    Egg drop soup 1

    One cup of: Has a PointsPlus value of:
    Orange-ginger beef 15
    Beef lo mein 10
    Beef and broccoli 4

    One cup of: Has a PointsPlus value of:
    General Tso's chicken 17
    Sweet and sour chicken 11
    Chinese vegetables with chicken 5

    One cup of: Has a PointsPlus value of:
    Kung pao beef 12
    Kung pao shrimp 10
    Kung pao chicken 9

    One cup of: Has a PointsPlus value of:
    Pork lo mein 9
    Pork chow fun 9
    Sesame noodles 7
  • siinahei
    siinahei Posts: 7
    thank you so much for all the messages!
    I have done a lot of cardio today and been good with saving calories for later on. :)
    I know it might sound weird for some people being worried about a single meal, it's silly maybe but for me it's more about a healthy lifestyle, not weight loss. I simply had no idea how unhealthy chinese food was until I did my research!
    Also sharing opinions and tips gives a lot of confidence to make the right choices. It's always a great thing knowing that there are others too who think about these things.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,222 Member
    thank you so much for all the messages!
    I have done a lot of cardio today and been good with saving calories for later on. :)
    I know it might sound weird for some people being worried about a single meal, it's silly maybe but for me it's more about a healthy lifestyle, not weight loss. I simply had no idea how unhealthy chinese food was until I did my research!
    Also sharing opinions and tips gives a lot of confidence to make the right choices. It's always a great thing knowing that there are others too who think about these things.
    Chinese food is not unhealthy, although I probably wouldn't qualify most North American Chinese restaurants as Chinese.
  • siinahei
    siinahei Posts: 7
    thanks. wannabe chinese it is then. and that sure is unhealthy.
  • phantomjam
    phantomjam Posts: 46 Member
    I absolutely loathe rice so I'd just order what I want and fill half of my plate with vegetables. Anything extra I'd have packed up.
  • cookiealbright
    cookiealbright Posts: 605 Member
    Juse eat fried rice and an eggroll. Now I'm hungry for Chinese!
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    thank you so much for all the messages!
    I have done a lot of cardio today and been good with saving calories for later on. :)
    I know it might sound weird for some people being worried about a single meal, it's silly maybe but for me it's more about a healthy lifestyle, not weight loss. I simply had no idea how unhealthy chinese food was until I did my research!
    Also sharing opinions and tips gives a lot of confidence to make the right choices. It's always a great thing knowing that there are others too who think about these things.
    Chinese food is not unhealthy, although I probably wouldn't qualify most North American Chinese restaurants as Chinese.
    This. High calorie doesn't equal unhealthy, and low calorie doesn't equal healthy.
  • trisH_7183
    trisH_7183 Posts: 1,486 Member
    This isn't exact,but should be near in calorie/WW points.

    http://www.exercise4weightloss.com/weight-watchers-points-pfchangs.html
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    thanks. wannabe chinese it is then. and that sure is unhealthy.

    one meal of anything isnt unhealthy... even if its deep fried butter... its just one meal...
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    I made a pic about this last night! Can't share it though, adverts.
  • SonyaKou
    SonyaKou Posts: 33 Member
    I know this is too late for last night, but maybe it can help you for future reference. While high calorie does not mean unhealthy, authentic Chinese food is not particularly good for you if you are trying to lose weight. Their cooking methods involve a lot of frying and boiling so most of the nutrients are drained from the veggies and everything tends to be covered in sauces that are thickened with corn starch. Authentic food is a little better for you, steamed snow peas, bok choy, and yu choy, but even when done traditionally, they are generally covered in sesame oil or butter. Every restaurant tends to have a standard white-centric menu, but there are usually a few dishes on there that are authentic and what the staff make themselves. Virtually all meat and veggies are fried in a wok, but some regional style Chinese will have grilled lamb/ beef. Seafood options also tend to be more authentic and healthier. If they offer steamed fish, that's your best possible meat option. Best option is to be honest with your waiter and ask them what they would recommend for diet food.
    That being said, in all honesty, my Chinese family and friends all switch to eating Japanese or Korean style food when we want to lose weight. There are far more fresh veggies, probiotic rich foods and low-cal options in those cuisines. Especially when looking at European or North American Chinese restaurants. A really nice North American compromise is to try Vietnamese food. Those restaurants have many of the same options, but with lighter sauce, less oil and lighter cooking methods.
    Otherwise, I do what you did, when I know I am going to be having (what we jokingly call because of all the grease) "Dirty Chinese food", just set aside a good amount of calories, cut back on your rice and focus your meal around non-breaded meats and steamed veggies. Happy eating = )
  • williamshl10
    williamshl10 Posts: 60 Member
    Our Chinese restaurant here will make you a diet option, sauce is on the side with no added oils or salts. And everything is steamed.
  • Carnivor0us
    Carnivor0us Posts: 1,752 Member
    Hi everyone,

    I have a bit of a strange worry. I am going for chinese with my boyfriend and his friends tonight. I am asking your help so that I don't end up ordering a 1,000 calorie dinner! I'm a vegetarian so I usually just go for a veggie chow mein but after doing my research it looks like one of the worst choises!

    If you eat eggs, egg foo young is pretty tits...
  • cmendoza13
    cmendoza13 Posts: 23
    I always get wonton soup and sushi. I've found those are the lowest cal chinese options. Veggies are always good, just beware of the sugary sauces they cook them in. And go with white rice instead of fried, if you want rice! The biggest thing to watch out for with chinese food, as with most foods, are the sauces. Good luck!
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,222 Member
    I always get wonton soup and sushi. I've found those are the lowest cal chinese options. Veggies are always good, just beware of the sugary sauces they cook them in. And go with white rice instead of fried, if you want rice! The biggest thing to watch out for with chinese food, as with most foods, are the sauces. Good luck!
    Chinese sushi....yum. :tongue:
  • nicolef07
    nicolef07 Posts: 10 Member
    Most Chinese restaurants now have steamed entrees which are a great choice. Moo Goo Gai Pan is also a good choice. Enjoy!
  • bachampion04
    bachampion04 Posts: 137 Member
    Dont let calorie numbers scare you...Not all high numbers calories are bad. For one, having a "cheat day" after a long time of discipline will never hurt you. Also, not all calories are bad calories, if you are vegan then youa re definitely good lol. As long as there are healthy calorie easy to digest with some high quality H2O you are good to go. Never starve yourself or let calories keep you out of social events.
  • nomorebingesgirl2014
    nomorebingesgirl2014 Posts: 378 Member
    Bump for if I ever eat chinese
  • siinahei
    siinahei Posts: 7
    I'm very grateful for all these answers! Thank you so much. I'm off to enjoy a nice evening now (it's only 6.30pm in UK time) and will not think of the calories.
    Just a slight comment about high calorie not being unhealthy. I know that very well. But calories coming from fat and sugar (which this "chinese" food is full of) are not good. I will be looking at the menu based in all these great advices - thank you!
    I personally would prefer another eastern restaurant but as this has been organised by other people I can't complain (much).

    Have a lovely weekend everyone! I am ever so grateful for having all this from you all. :):):)

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