Studying Abroad

Embrace the culture. Choose vegetables when you can. Most people I know who have studied abroad in Asian countries when overweight lost weight while abroad. Maybe your doctor will be able to provide a few suggestions also. All that you have been doing is geared towards changing your lifestyle. Stay active. Will you be in a rural area? If so, bike when you can. If its an urban area, could you join a gym?

Plus, those in East Asian countries aren't known for obesity like those in a few western countires (USA) and I attribute that to lifestyle differences and how those differences affect the genes of various populations.

Your health changes are for the rest of your life. Don't be afraid to adapt

I'll be studying in France for a year come September and share similar worries. But I'm sure that if I pay attention to both the quality and the quantity of my food, remain active, I'll be fine.

First of all: congratulations on making this big step!!

I think China does have a lot of healthy choices also. As has been said before, there is hardly any obesity in China. You can get a lot of steamed veggies and meats, which are obviously the healthier choices than fried springrolls etc.

I think do some research about the typical things you can get in the supermarket and get familiar with the calories of them. Can't help you much there, but I do wish you a lot of success and fun!

in beijing there's so many restaurants from all around the world. don't get tempted. but also make sure you go to sanlitun village, there are some awesome bars there! i try not to eat out but i binge on alcohol every weekend!

If you spend the entirety of you trip worrying about each thing you eat, you'll come home and only remember the things you couldn't do/eat, and not all the amazing experiences you had.

It's just one month! It'll be over before you know it. Make the best reasonable choices from what's presented to you, and try to focus on having a good time. Try to do lots of active things, even if it's just walking (who wants to stay cooped up when they're abroad anyway?)

You are leaving one of the most obese countries in the world and traveling to one of the least (https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2012-featured-story-archive/obesity-according-to-the-world-factbook.html )

What I'm really trying to say is... don't worry about it!

For what its worth, I'm sure you will find that Chinese "Chinese food" is NOTHING like American "Chinese food." I'd venture a guess that it is MUCH more healthy than the takeout junk we have here in the States

Study abroad is an AMAZING experience. Just be mindful of your portions and enjoy your time. If you gain a few pounds I can assure you it will be totally worth it.

i am staying in china right now, i'm doing my degree here. just stay away from chinese food!

WTF? No. There is nothing wrong with Chinese food, as long as you make balanced choices and not just try to stick to stuff you recognize. Well, maybe those bananas foster... Moreover, food is an important part of any culture and in rural areas, she won't have much choice. Just have small portions, which is what they really expect. The same is true of any study abroad experience. Staying away from the local food is just one way of gypping yourself of your education dollars.

China has excellent water and food quality. It is part of being a well controlled society: it includes proper sanitation education.

If you have any free time, go to the nearest park. There will be people doing tai chi or some other form of group exercise that they will be happy to show you. My mom was given a paddle and ball to keep practicing with. Most areas also have mini gyms - a hand full of metal versions of exercise machines, like an elliptical. They are meant to be used in a controlled manner, not whip it out as fast as you can.

Seriously, unless this latest flu takes off, there is never a reason to be concerned about your health in China. Well, unless you are spending your time binge drinking. That isn't good for you anywhere.