FI and I want to go out for chinese food tonight but I'm sure if that's a good option for me.

I'd like to get an order of shrimp egg foo young and shrimp fried rice. Is that high in fat? I have no idea. 

This is a great question, and a good one to post on the Dietitians Message Board.  We check that each day; and the other boards less frequently.

First, there is a section on "Ethnic Cuisine" in the back of the Healthy Eating Guide included in the Starter Kit.  It's gives the best items to choose in a variety of different menus.

Egg Foo Yong is generally fried in a lot of oil, and then topped with gravy.  I'd caution against this.  Shrimp Fried Rice might be OK but, as the name states, it is fried.  Cooked rice is sauteed with vegetables and (in this case shrimp) it's most likely not much oil but it would be good to ask, and request that little be used.

Combining these two dishes in the same meal might not be a good idea.  You can try www.calorieking.com, a website that lists thousands of foods, and might have fat and calorie info on items like this.

I hope that helps.

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian

What about Teriyaki Chicken Bowl?

Lori

Try www.calorieking.com and see if it's listed so you can see the numbers.  Also, it would depend on whether or not the chicken has the skin on and, obvioulsy, chunks without the skin would be better.

Pat

the chinese restaurant i go to has a "healthy section" on the menu.  tried a "healthy" dish and it was really good.  the sauce was on the side and it was loaded with veggies.

leslyekahn:

the chinese restaurant i go to has a "healthy section" on the menu.  tried a "healthy" dish and it was really good.  the sauce was on the side and it was loaded with veggies.

That's great!  I notice that a lot of Chinese restaurants are doing this.  Do they provide nutrition information, per serving?

Pat

 I LOVE chinese and thought I would not be able to have it any more. When I went to the grocery, I was scanning through the asian section and found a general tsos sauce mix. It is fat free and you just add a little sugar, soy sauce ( you can get low sodium) and water and just grill your chicen in flour and spices and pour on your sauce and heat. I also found a lower fat veggie rice and can also have white rice and it was really good. I was suprised!. Even my husband loved it and weve had it twice in a week now. Great chinese that doesnt cost alot and you will know exactly what is in it and make it at home! good luck though with eating out chinese!

Thanks for the input, kcsgirl. I'll look for the General Tso's sauce mix. Do you happen to recall the brand? Or are we not s'posed to endorse brand names?

I've been having the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl at a local mom and pop take out place. It's tasty and I've been losing weight.

Lori

LoriGlory:

Thanks for the input, kcsgirl. I'll look for the General Tso's sauce mix. Do you happen to recall the brand? Or are we not s'posed to endorse brand names?

I've been having the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl at a local mom and pop take out place. It's tasty and I've been losing weight.

Lori

Yes, we absolutely talk brands!  The more information the better.

Pat