Dining Out Guide: Asian Cuisine

It's getting closer to the weekend...and for me that usually means dining out.

This weekend, I am planning to visit one of my favorite restaurants Hinoki -- I never pass up a night of fresh sushi!

So for one of America's most popular take-out options - look below for the 'Unwise, Better, Best' options.

As always, PORTION CONTROL is key.  Generally, while dining out you will receive a larger portion than normal.  Try asking for half of your meal boxed 'to go' before they serve it to you.  Or split the entree with a friend.

 

UNWISE

-  Fried Rice

-  Egg Rolls - can have up to 200 calories per roll!

-  General Tso's Chicken (a sweet and spicy deep-FRIED chicken dish)

-  Sweet and Sour Pork -- generally anything labeled 'Sweet and Sour' will contain lots of sugar and calories!

-  Pot Stickers (Deep Fried Veggie Dumplings)

-  Tempura -- don't let the name throw you off, tempura means 'fried' so even if it is Tempura Veggies - BEWARE!

-  Soy Sauce -- watch portions, contains LOTS of sodium!

-  Lo Mein noodles -- be wary of HUGE portion sizes.

- Sushi choices that are tempura based with extras like cream cheese or mayonnaise dressings, like the Philly Roll.

 

BETTER/BEST

-  Egg Drop or Wonton Soup

-  Shrimp Chow Mein

-  Moo Goo Gai Pan (Sliced chicken breast and stir fry veggies, usually in a light sauce)

-  Chop Suey (One of the few dishes often prepared without meat - VEGGIE OVERLOAD!)

-  Hot Mustard Sauce

-  Miso Soup

-  Stir Fry Veggies

-  Edamame (Soy beans)

-  Cucumber Salad

-  Sushi -- choose Maki Sushi, Salmon and Tuna Sashimi

-  Ponzu and Ginger Sauces/Dressings (ask for all dressings and sauces on the side!)

 

My mindful eating challenge:  Try using chopsticks!  Not only will it help create the ultimate Asian experience, but will slow down your eating. 

Have you ever tried eating rice with chopsticks?  It's like dancing with two left feet!

 

One last thing, don't forget your fortune cookie!  A low-calorie, low-fat dessert (only 30 cals per cookie) -- with a surprise inside. 

Today's fortune: