Hungry Girl (79 page)

Chinese Food Dos and Don'ts . . .

DO
kick off your Chinese chowfest with a little soup. The average small serving of egg drop, wonton, or hot and sour soup will only add about 100 calories to your meal, and it'll help fill you up, too.

DON'T
indulge in those fried chow mein noodles or wonton crisps restaurants serve by the basket. They add tons of fat and calories to an otherwise healthy meal. Ask your waiter not to bring any to the table or just place them out of reach on the other side.

DO
avoid dishes that are breaded, fried, or coated in flour. That stuff does more than weigh down your plate. It'll weigh YOU down, too!

DON'T
think all veggies are your friends. Broccoli trees are really good at sucking up and holding on to oil and fatty sauces. Eeeks (stupid trees)!

Chew the Right Thing!

BITE IT!
With just 25 fat-free calories, a fortune cookie is an awesome way to end your meal. And feel free to eat those orange segments many restaurants serve up, too. Your entire Chinese dessert will have less than 60 calories and practically no fat at all!

FIGHT IT!
Those crazy almond cookies have about 85 calories and 5 grams of fat. They don't even taste that good. And have you seen that horrific oil spot those cookies leave on anything they touch? Gross!

You CAN survive a trip to your favorite Italian restaurant. Here's how . . .

Dos and Don'ts of Dining Italia

DO
start your meal off with a salad (light Italian dressing or oil and vinegar on the side) or some minestrone soup.

DON'T
be afraid to request any of the seafood and poultry options grilled dry, with a heaping side of veggies. Then season those vegetables with a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, or dip 'em in a side of marinara.

DO
eat bread
or
pasta, just not both. In Italy, it is a no-no to eat bread and pasta at the same time. Just skip the butter (who needs it when you have warm crusty Italian bread!), and stick with tomato-based sauce on your noodles.

DON'T
order fish topped with cheese. Nix the cheese and you'll save calories and fat grams.
DO
enjoy a bowl of fresh berries instead of some crazy, too-rich dessert.

DON'T
clear your plate. It's okay to take some home with you to enjoy the next day.

DO
ask for whole wheat pasta. Many restaurants (including the massive Olive Garden chain) offer up the fiber-rich stuff as a filling alternative to plain white pasta.

Chew the Right Thing!

BITE IT!
The average ½-cup serving of marinara sauce has about 95 calories and 3 grams of fat.

FIGHT IT!
A ½-cup portion of classic Alfredo sauce has an average of 240 calories and 22 grams of fat!

Nutritional information based on dinner portions.

Chew the Right Thing!