"When I first arrived in China, I wanted to try everything at least once and I pretty much did," says one Beijing resident who asked to keep his name and his pants size anonymous. "Soon enough I was putting on weight - 7 kilos [almost 16 pounds] to be exact. Not being able to touch my toes was the first warning sign."
Without tools like Weight Watchers or calorie counters, it can be difficult for foreigners not familiar with Chinese foods to know exactly what they're putting in their stomachs. "Chinese food culture is very different compared to Western cuisine in terms of ingredients, spices, preparation and cooking techniques," says Dr. Lijun Liang, a dietician at Beijing's United Family Hospital. "Some dishes are [made of] a complicated mix of ingredients, making it difficult to figure out the exact amount of calories and fat in each dish."
As delicious as they may be, many Chinese dishes feature generous amounts of the dreaded three: oil, salt and monosodium glutamate (MSG). These staples are frequently vilified, particularly in the West. True, they don't have the most impressive pedigree: Oil has been linked to heart problems; salt to high blood pressure; and MSG - though unproven - to such ailments as migraines and nausea. Oil and salt - especially coupled with cooking styles like deep-frying and fatty meat cuts - don't do much to help maintain a slim figure, either. But doctors stress that the key to a healthy diet is consuming such products in moderation. And such moderation is actually possible with a few easy adjustments.
You might have to give up a few favorite dishes, but use our guidelines to find healthier alternatives with a similar great taste. And don't forget to clip out our guide to healthy ordering to keep in your wallet. Trust us, your hips will thank you one day.