
Chinese food is one of America's most popular and healthy ethnic cuisines, but it can be high in sodium. Main dish portions are often quite large, so try ordering fewer entrees than you have dinner companions. Then divide and devour!
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.
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Egg drop soup | Wonton or hot-and-sour soup |
Egg rolls or fried wontons | Steamed dumplings |
Fried entrees | Boiled, broiled, steamed or lightly stir-fried entrees |
Dishes with fried meats | Dishes with lots of vegetables |
Dishes with cashews and peanuts (not a problem if you're not overweight) | Dishes with water chestnuts |
Fried rice | Steamed rice |
Lobster sauce (egg yolks); oyster, bean and soy sauce | Sweet and sour sauce, plum or duck sauce (high sodium) |

