Do You Love Chinese Food, But You’re on A Low Carb Diet?

Some Options and Alternatives

Since I absolutely love eating Chinese food, but have also been, on and off, some sort of low–carb diet (in fact, my personal physician was the late, Dr. Robert Atkins), for many years, I have attempted to figure out some ways to enjoy my favorite food, while restricting my carbohydrate intake. The key to a low carbohydrate diet is reducing sugars and starches, while maintaining dietary fibers, is a necessary, productive activity. Therefore, certain foods, such as those, which are breaded, or contain lots of sugar, rice, or noodles, should be avoided. Here are some ideas, if you wish to go this route.

Low–Carb Appetizers:

Roasted chicken wings, beef kabobs, spare ribs, Satay Beef (or beef sticks), etc, are excellent choices, but be certain to have any sauces, on the side. When ordering Barbecue Spare Ribs, request they be made with very little sauce, etc.  While clear soups, such as Egg Drop Soup, theoretically should be okay, beware, corn starch is often added, as a thickener, so ask your server.

Low–Carb Main Dishes:

Avoid breaded dishes, and noodle dishes! Avoid the rice, etc! However, dishes such as Peking Duck and Moo Shoo Pork, should be fine, but don’t eat the pancakes! Sizzling dishes are generally fine, as long as you don’t use the sauces. Instead, use Chinese mustard. Certain vegetables are fine, but avoid beans, which are high in carbs.

Vegetables:

If you are trying to maintain lower carb levels, stick to vegetables, such as snow peas, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, etc, but avoid carrots, baby corn, and beans.

Stir Fry:

Use your choice of protein, mixed with vegetables, which are low in carbohydrates, such as celery, scallions, bok choy, but fry in olive oil (not soy sauce, or teriyaki). This is particularly useful, when preparing at home. Season with garlic, onions, pepper, ginger, and soy sauce (if at home, and label indicates there’s no added sugars, etc).

Avoid the oranges, pineapples, etc, and stick to fruits which end in berry (raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry). Don’t give up eating Chinese food – rather consider these alternatives!

by Mee Rich Yee, nee Richard Brody

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