(HealthDayNews) -- Chinese, Italian and Mexican are the three most popular ethnic cuisines in the United States, according to a National Restaurant Association survey. But eating healthy can be extra challenging when eating ethnic.
Ethnic restaurants tend to Americanize traditional dishes by adding fatty ingredients like cheese and nuts, reports the Diet Modification Clinic at Methodist Hospital in Houston. That can make it difficult for you to identify low-fat foods.
Because ethnic restaurants tend to serve large portions, the clinic suggests you practice moderation. In a large group, order one less entree than the number of people in the group.
When ordering Chinese, ask for steamed rice instead of fried. When eating Mexican, order chicken instead of beef fajitas and ask for corn instead of flour tortillas, which have four times more fat.
