LC Chinese Restauran Options?

[Strings]

Help! On Sunday, we have to get together with my inlaws. My MIL is insisting we go to a Chinese restaurant. We're on atkin's OWL. Can anyone give me ideas about what to order? Thank You!

 

[LAinSEA]

Does the restaurant use MSG? If it does, I believe it's just like adding raw-sugar to everything they make. Not a good low-carb option.

If they don't use MSG, order any stir-fried meat, chicken or seafood with veggies (without carrots if possible). Avoid anything breaded and deep-fried.

BBQ pork is really high in sugar also.

Egg drop soup might be a good, safe appetiser instead.

Good luck!

-Laurie

 

[Beanie]

The restaurant I work at does use MSG, but you can order stuff without it...some people who come in tell me they get really sick when they eat MSG...

I have the cooks at my place make special stuff for me and I watch them to make sure they don't use any added sugar or stuff like that...but as for anything on the menu, I wouldn't be able to eat it on Atkins, it is all either fried, has sugar or is loaded with carbs...

There is a woman who comes in who is on Atkins and believes that she is doing okay when she orders Pork Egg Foo Young without gravy...I tell her each time it is deep fried, but she says as long as she doesn't order the gravy, she is fine on Atkins Nothing I would ever eat!

 

[mrsltg]

Hi Strings-

Chinese is one of my favorite foods and I'm an Atkins success! At most Chinese places that I've been to they've been exceptionally acommodating. They usually have a diet menu that consists of stir-fried beef, chicken, shrimp, or pork with steamed veggies. They don't put any sauce on it, but you can ask them to add some flavor by way of garlic or a small amount of soy sauce, red pepper, etc. I also really enjoy hot and sour soup. I'm not sure of the carb count on it (it may have cornstarch), but it also has pork, tofu and mushrooms, all good things on Atkins! Can you lower your total carb intake for the next few days and then be a little more relaxed when at the restaurant? If so, you'll find yourself in a better position with a little more flexibility.

PS - I have horrible reactions to MSG which is not that uncommon - most Chinese places around me don't even add it anymore - just double-check, though - you don't want a nasty headache!

Enjoy your dinner!

Erin

 

[elgerber]

I don't like Chinese food, but I was looking at Atkins website yesterday, and in the FAQ's they actually have the answer to that question...

Is there any Chinese food I can eat while doing Atkins?

On the weight-loss phases, rice, noodles and dumplings are obvious no-nos. Also, Chinese sauces are often thickened with cornstarch and sweetened with sugar, both of which are not allowed on Induction. That doesn't mean you can't eat Chinese food; simply ask to have your food prepared without either ingredient. Or you can order your food steamed, with the sauce on the side (a little chili, peanut, garlic or sesame sauce is best; hold the hoisin). Spare ribs are okay, since most of the sweet sauce gets burned away during cooking. Other safe bets: Peking or crispy duck, whole steamed fish and broiled beef or poultry. Have your moo-shu dishes without the pancakes or rice. If you are now maintaining your weight and can handle grains, be sure to order brown rice rather than nutrient-empty white rice. For more information about how to eat ethnic cuisine while doing Atkins, please see the Eating Out section of Food & Recipes on this Web site.

 

[Strings]

Thank you for your replies. I had wonotn soup-minus the wontons. They make it with peapods, mushrooms, sprouts, and shrimp. I also had Chicken and broccoli. No MSG, sugar or cornstarch. Sauce on the side. The waiter and my mother in law started talking very quickly in Korean. There was alot of eyerolling, but I stayed on plan.

 

[Beanie]

Is Moo Shi okay to have on Atkins?? I am just wondering because the other day I was working with a friend and we both ordered Moo Shi Vegetables to share and it was awesome!! I asked the cook not to add any sugar or MSG to it and it tasted great!! I opted out of the pancakes though....

Moo Shi is my new favorite chinese dish!! Yum!

 

[dizneegirl]

Originally posted by Beanie
There is a woman who comes in who is on Atkins and believes that she is doing okay when she orders Pork Egg Foo Young without gravy...I tell her each time it is deep fried, but she says as long as she doesn't order the gravy, she is fine on Atkins

As long as it's not breaded in flour, etc., deep-frying is certainly allowed in any phase of the Atkins plan... deep-fried hot wings are delicious, as are cauliflower florets, turnip fries, jicama slices and more...

I think the egg foo young is OK, as long as they're not adding flour, sugar or milk to the eggs before they fry them.

 

[Baileymouse]

Here's a link for choices from the Atkins Center:

http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/17-614000.html

 

[Beanie]

Originally posted by dizneegirl
I think the egg foo young is OK, as long as they're not adding flour, sugar or milk to the eggs before they fry them.

See, this is the thing though, they do add eggs and flour before frying them...they need to get it to stick together, I am assuming that is what the eggs are for? I know they add flour as well...No big deal, if she is happy, then that is fine by me! She loves Chinese, so I am always happy to accomodate her requests...She is a very nice person too!