As you may know the #Daddiet is in full swing and the pounds are dropping off. Im enjoying trying new foods that are considered healthy and some green things called vegetables. Having a healthy diet is not difficult, nor does it require that you eat bland, uninspiring meals or spend hours learning to cook new ingredients. There’s healthy food choices everywhere including Chinese from the likes of Hungry House or by looking in your own cupboard. Chinese food is among the healthiest types of food you can eat. Yes some items, like orange chicken are packed with unhealthy calories so beware of those hidden dangers The Chinese philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism have a great deal to do with the health qualities of the Chinese diet. Food is not only consumed to fuel but also to heal the body. Food preparation minimises waste and fully utilises all of the edible parts of the ingredients. Chinese dining customs also contribute to a healthy diet. Here are some examples.
- Chopsticks – Eating with chopsticks actually causes you to consume less. Since you are eating slowly, your body will signal that you are full far faster than when you eat with a fork or a spoon.
- Meat is kept to a minimum – Vegetables are the main ingredient in Chinese dishes. Red meat is kept to minimum and is usually served lean. Fish and seafood, both of which have a number of healthy qualities, are found in the majority of dishes. It’s important to have enough protein in your meals.
- Soup – Soup is a main element of traditional Chinese meals. Clinical studies have shown that having soup as a starter decreases the overall food intake by about 20%.
- Cooking methods – Stir-frying is one of the healthiest ways to cook. A minimum amount of oil is used, and that oil is generally a healthy one at that. Stir-frying also preserves a great deal of the nutritional value of the food. Steaming, which is the second most popular Chinese cooking method, preserves the flavour and nutritional value and adds no oils or other ingredients to the food.
- Superfoods – Chinese food is rich in so-called “superfoods.” The staple of Chinese cooking, 5 Spice, contains star anise which is just to fight colds; fennel seed, a digestive aid; Szechuan pepper, which is rich in vitamins and minerals; cinnamon, which reduces blood sugar and lowers the risk of heart disease; and cloves, which reduce inflammation and improve digestion. Other proven beneficial ingredients which are staples of Chinse cooking are garlic, mushrooms, broccoli, and onions.
- Sauces – Chinese sauces are for the most part good for you and a key contributor to the foods’ taste. Even salty sauces, like soy, are used sparingly in traditional Chinese cooking. Hot chilli sauces, which you can make at home, and hoisin sauce add a lot to the taste, but do not take away a lot from the health benefits.
