A typical Chinese diet is fundamentally different from the Western diet. Although the latter features plenty of meat, fried foods, sugary desserts and few fresh or whole foods, a Chinese eating plan is based on fresh vegetables and fruits, grains and very little meat. The differences may be consequential to both weight loss and better health.
Benefits
The Chinese diet may have benefits beyond simply acting as a weight-loss aid. According to ChinaCulture.org, cardiologist Kam S. Woo conducted a study that linked a traditional Chinese diet with lowered instances of heart disease. MyPyramid adds that the fresh vegetables and fruits that are staples of Chinese cuisine can help lower risks of stroke, diabetes, kidney stones, bone loss and cancer as well as obesity.
Explanation
One potential explanation for why a Chinese diet may help with weight loss lies in the structure of the Asian food pyramid. According to MayoClinic.com, whole grains are at the base of the pyramid and are closely followed by vegetables, fruits, legumes and other plant-based proteins. Vegetable oils, fish and dairy, eggs, sweets and meat make up the remainder of the pyramid. Since the diet's base levels are so low in calories and high in nutrients and satiating fiber, they are more conducive to weight loss than the high-calorie components of a Western eating plan.
Foods
Fresh and lightly cooked fruits and vegetables of all types are staples of the Chinese diet. According to nutrition expert Patrick Holford in an article for "The Independent," vegetables should make up at least half of any given meal, so the Chinese diet's emphasis on them is healthy as well as effective for weight loss. Other common Chinese foods are rice, dumplings, tofu, eggs and noodles.
Considerations
Although the foods that a person eats make a definite difference in weight-loss results, calorie intake is also important. Eating too much of any traditional Chinese food or consistently eating more calories than you burn will cause weight gain, no matter the health value of the foods. It's also important to realize that other factors affect weight, such as exercise, physical activity levels, sleep patterns and habits such as smoking.
Warning
Not all Chinese cuisine is authentic or healthy --- especially in America. Buffets encourage patrons to overeat with low meal prices, and many do not reflect the values of the Asian food pyramid. To have the best chance of losing weight safely and healthfully, cook fresh Chinese food and use as many nutritious ingredients as possible. Finally, talk over any diet or weight loss plan with a physician or registered dietitian before changing what you eat.
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