Chinese food suggestions for eating out?

saxeygirl
saxeygirl Posts: 1 Member
edited February 13 in Food and Nutrition
Does anyone have any suggestions for lower calorie options when going out for Chinese food? Up to this point I just haven't gone when that is what my friends want but I am open to some suggestions if anyone has any.

Replies

  • navyrigger46
    navyrigger46 Posts: 1,301 Member
    Anything fried is going to be higher in calories. Beef with broccoli is a good choice, as are steamed veggies and teriyaki chicken.

    Rigger
  • LexiMelo
    LexiMelo Posts: 203 Member
    I'd go with something with lots of veggies (I guess that is a duh) and steamed. Most of their food is cooked in oil which obviously isn't low calorie. I usually get a chicken curry if it is a place that also serves thai, and make sure to just eat 1/2 c. of the rice. And save up some calories throughout the day. Or if it also serves sushi I will get sashimi, which is just the raw fish, with rice. If you are going to drink a scorpion bowl though, I will tell you from personal experience, get something a little more substantial. :drinker:
  • sympha01
    sympha01 Posts: 942 Member
    First, portion control. You can eat anything if you just nibble a little bit. You might end up leaving the restaurant not feeling like you ate a whole meal, but whatever. In my experience, going to eat with a group at a Chinese restaurant means some degree of family-style food sharing, rather than everybody ordering separate entrees. So just eating less might be a good option.

    Here are some things I "fill up" on at Chinese restaurants:
    1. Dry-fried green beans (some restaurants offer this with meat like chicken or shrimp too. There's not a lot of sauce, and USUALLY not a lot of oil).
    2. Hot and sour soup
    3. Ginger-scallion poached chicken

    I also sometimes eat a couple of potstickers -- they're surprisingly not THAT high in calories. But I never eat more than two or three.

    If I eat rice (most of the time I don't; I'm not low-carb, I just don't want to spend the calories on it), I ask if they have brown rice. About half the time they do. If they don't have brown rice, I'll usually skip it. If they do have it, I eat a little bit, and take the rest home in a doggy bag.
  • roxielu0422
    roxielu0422 Posts: 102 Member
    Shrimp with veggies in a brown sauce was always my go to. That or Beef with Broccoli. The fried rice will get ya, so try and stay away from that. The steamed dumplings aren't too bad. If you get rice, see if they have brown steamed rice. At least it's got fiber in it. And drink a LOT of water!
  • Anonycatgirl
    Anonycatgirl Posts: 502 Member
    And whatever you get, plan on taking half home for tomorrow (or sending it with one of your friends). The portions are usually out of control.
  • eso2012
    eso2012 Posts: 337 Member
    It depends a lot on what restaurant you go to, what kind of chinese cuisine, etc. One sure thing is that they do use LOTS of oil. I can only think of steamed veg - specially ordered - may fit a healthy diet :)

    I would say, go for enjoyment and indulge in moderation. Unless you eat out like that every day, you should not worry!

    And if you really, really must, ask for hot water and dip your food in it (if you are with friends who do not consider that rude). You wil be able to "de-grease" as much as possible. But honestly, just enjoy your once-in-a-while treat!
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