Whether you are in for a quick take-out or want to sit and enjoy your food, an Asian restaurant is a place to be. Dining out in such restaurants always comes with a satisfying experience. You can decide to enjoy your meal alone or go in with family and friends. If you know what to look for, it is surely going to be a great experience.
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In this article are some tips to help you make healthy choices while in an Asian restaurant.
Starting with tea is always a smart choice
Tea is rich in antioxidants, so they are great for your overall health. Aside from that, hot tea will also help fill you up while you go through the menu list to make a choice.
Choose dishes with lots of vegetables
Just like tea, veggies are great sources of minerals and vitamins. So when you have the chance to load some up into your system, go for it. Luckily, most traditional Asian dishes are rich in vegetables. From broccoli tobok choy, sprouts, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini, Asian dishes got them all. These veggies add flavor, texture, and lots of nutrients to any dish.
You will always get broth-based soups
Generally, the soup will follow your take-out or sit down meal. And this is going to be a broth-based choice. These soups are usually low-fat or don’t contain any fat at all. They are also low in calories, which makes them a healthy choice to fill you up. However, the soups can sometimes be high in sodium.
It’s an Asian restaurant, so ask questions about preparation
Don’t be shy. Don’t be afraid. If you see a dish you are not familiar with, ask them how it was prepared before you order.
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Some Chinese foods are breaded and fried to a golden brown, and some are stir-fried with little oil. Also, some Japanese foods like sushi are not cooked at all. So no your limit and ask about the food you are about to be served.
Make brown rice your friend
You need protein, fiber, and vital nutrients included in your meal. A delicious way to get all of these in a service is to go for whole grains. If they don’t have brown rice, request for a smaller serving of steamed white rice. If you are ordering a take-out, prepare your brown rice at home to round out the meal.
Get your sauce in a separate plate
Asian sauces are often high in calories, especially in an Asian restaurant. But when you ask that your sauce be served separately, you will be able to control how much of it you eat. If you are also watching your sodium intake, this will be a smart option for you.
Foods you should order
- Veggie spring rolls
- Buddha’s feast
- Chicken or veggie lettuce wraps
- Edamame
- Chicken satay appetizer
- Stir-fried chicken and veggies
- Green papaya salad
Foods to skip
- Crab rangoons (deep-fried and done with cream cheese)
- Egg rolls (deep-fried and often include unhealthy cuts of a port)
- Tempura (battered and fried)
- Beef or duck curry (high saturated fat)
Conclusion
Eating at an Asian restaurant is great because of their tasty and healthy foods. But when you eat, remember to put your health first, and so make healthy choices.
