The Best Chinese Diet

Chinese food has gotten a bad reputation in the United States. This is largely based on the sugary, salty and fatty faux-Chinese dishes on which U.S. diners overindulge at cheap buffet restaurants. But the traditional Chinese diet, one that relies heavily on low-calorie soups and healthy vegetables, is both heart-healthy and nutrient-packed.

Heavy On the Vegetables

In her book, "Why the Chinese Don't Count Calories," author Lorraine Clissold writes that the traditional Chinese diet relies more on vegetables than on thick syrupy sauces and fatty beef. Chinese diners tend to view vegetables as a main course, not just as a side dish, Clissold writes. This fits in with the dietary recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the U.S. food pyramid recommends that people eat more vegetables than any other type of food group. Vegetables are an important part of any diet because they fill people up without adding unhealthy sugars or fats to their diet, while providing fiber and nutrients.

Start with a Soup

Clissold recommends that U.S. diners follow the tradition of the Chinese when it comes to soup: Most meals in China start with a first course of a watery soup. This helps diners fill up before the main course begins, and helps prevent overeating. One popular Chinese soup that fits the bill as low-calorie is miso soup. This soup mix is available in most grocery stores. The Chinese actually take in many more of their calories in liquid form than do U.S. residents, Clissold says. This is one reason why so few people who follow the traditional Chinese diet overeat as often as Americans do.

Rice Isn't Bad

The traditional Chinese diet is heavy in rice. This, like the first course of soup, helps fill up Chinese diners, and prevents them from overeating fatty foods. Rice may be filling, but it's low in fat and high in fiber and other nutrients. It's better to eat a bit too much rice than it is to grab another handful of French fries.

Cap It with Green Tea

Residents of China consume a lot of green tea. Clissold writes that this is another reason why the traditional Chinese diet is so healthy. Green tea not only alleviates hunger pains, it also helps people digest their foods more efficiently.

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