Deciphering the Menu: Chinese Foods

Healthy Chinese Food

Does healthy chinese food exist or is it all bad? Of course there are healthier options. Read more to find out which Chinese meals receives a thumbs up while others get a thumbs down.

Thumbs Down: 

            Egg rolls                                            

           Egg drop soup                                 

  Fried wontons

                      






General Tso's Chicken                 

Sweet & Sour Pork

  Lo Mein; Moo Shu   

            

              

                         

                            

 Fried rice

*Note: These meals may be prepared with lots of oil, sodium, and MSG.

Thumbs Up: 

         Wonton                                        

                    





 Steamed Dumplings

        

      Hot & and Sour Soup                                

Dishes with Vegetables/Water chesnuts

                       

    






   Steamed Rice

                     








 Other Tips:

• Choose entrees with lots of vegetables — chop suey with steamed rice is an example.
• Substitute chicken for duck, when possible.
• Skip the crispy fried noodles on the table.
• Ask the cook to use less oil when preparing stir-fry and other dishes and to leave out soy sauce, MSG and salt.

*Note: These meals are heart healthy! If possible, ask the cook to use less oil, soy sauce, and MSG.

Picture Credits:
Photograph of vegetable dish was taken from the American Heart Association. The other photograph was taken from google images.