Eating Ethnic and Healthy

Ethnic diets are not always healthy, but knowing what to order when eating out can keep you from falling into a fat trap.

"Ethnic restaurants tend to Americanize traditional dishes by adding fatty ingredients like cheese and nuts," said Lynne Scott, a registered dietician and director of the Diet Modification Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine. "With so many unfamiliar ingredients found in ethnic cuisine, it can be difficult to identify low-fat foods."

Scott recommends the following tips when ethnic food is on the menu:

* Request that creamy dressings and sauces be served on the side.

* Forgo deep-fried appetizers and side orders.

* When ordering Chinese meals, order steamed instead of fried rice.

* Choose chicken instead of beef fajitas and corn instead of flour tortillas.

* Order plain, steamed or grilled vegetables, fish and chicken.

- Courtesy of Baylor College of Medicine

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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