Do weight loss programs and ethnic restaurants mix?

When you’re following diets and weight loss programs, it can be difficult to eat out at restaurants—let alone ethnic ones. As enticing as trying new, different foods can be, some people are too worried to enjoy themselves at ethnic restaurants because they fear they’ll blow their calorie count in one sitting without even knowing it. This is understandable, as it can be hard to know how many calories you’re eating when you’re unfamiliar with the ingredients used.

Since the dishes served in ethnic restaurants may be more complicated to assess, we gathered some good strategies and tips from one of the top weight loss clinics in Southern California to help you navigate the menu served at some of the more exotic restaurants.  

Japanese Food. Many weight loss clinics recommend many of the foods included in a Japanese diet. Miso soup, green team, yakitori, sukiyaki and sashimi are all great choices. Try to stay away from white rice, fried dishes, tempura and udon. Also, opt for low-sodium soy sauce whenever it’s available. 

Mexican. It’s hard to resist food that originates from south of the border. Luckily, much Mexican food features grilled poultry and seafood, which are both easy to incorporate into weight loss programs and diets. Other good choices include soft tacos—the fried hard shells pack a lot more calories—as well as taco salads without the shells. Salsa is great for spicing up your meal without loading your plate with calories, plus it may boost your metabolism. Try to avoid meals drenched in sour cream and cheese, like quesadillas, and don’t indulge in too much chorizo.

Italian Food.  Many Italian restaurants offer fabulous green salads, broth-based soups, grilled meats and fish. When it comes to sauces, your best bet is to opt for marinara, clam or wine sauce. It’s best to have less heavy cheese-filled pastas, linguini with cream sauce, and lasagna.

Chinese Food. When you hit up a Chinese restaurant, opt for the veggie-laden dishes, or those with tofu, poultry and seafood. Often times, the stir-fried, steamed, simmered, braised dishes can be very filling, healthy choices. Try to stay away from white rice, noodles, fried appetizers like spring rolls, and sweet and sour sauce.

Click here to get more tips for having success with weight loss programs.

image: examiner.com