One of the most popular cuisines in The United States can be one of the healthiest if the food choices are made wisely.

Sodium content is often high but with planning can be reduced.

The size of the portions of Chinese food is often large, so try asking for a doggy bag upfront and putting some of the food away for another meal. Removing some of the food before you start eating will reduce your chances of overdoing it.

Also, you should try sharing the larger portions with your dining companions to make more appropriate portion sizes.

Ask the server if you can order a child size entrée. That will also reduce the volume of food you receive to a more manageable level.

Best Picks
1. Choose main courses with mostly vegetables and steamed rice.
2. Pick chicken instead of duck.
3. Avoid or try to eat very small quantities of the crispy fried noodles.
4. Ask that your food be prepared with less oil, soy sauce and salt.
5. Ask that your food be prepared without the MSG.

Instead
1. If you like egg drop soup, try the wonton soup instead.
2. If you like the egg rolls, try the steamed dumplings instead.
3. If like the fried main dishes, try them boiled, broiled, or steamed instead.
4. If you like the fried meat dishes, try dishes with lots of vegetables instead.
5. If you like the dishes with cashews and peanuts, try them with water chestnuts instead.
6. If you like the fried rice, try the steamed rice instead.
7. If you like the lobster sauce, try the sweet and sour sauce instead.

Practice the following
1. Can I have this without the sugar or starch?
2. Can I have the sauce on the side?
3. Can I have this without MSG?
4. Can I have a doggy bag before I start eating?
5. Can I have the sauces on the side?

By Lu Young. Lu is a Boston Terrier owner. She rescued her dog from the pound over 7 years. For more information check her out at http:// www.bostonterrierville.com.