Fast food isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when someone utters the word "healthy," but people often find themselves in situations where there is no other choice. While it's difficult to order Chinese food that actually qualifies as a healthy dish, it is possible, and some restaurants will go out of their way to meet their customers' needs.

The Salty Beast

Sodium is unavoidable when ordering Chinese. If possible, dieters should plan their meals ahead of time and avoid sodium at all costs prior to ordering Chinese food. Since the main concern with sodium is water weight, it's possible to lessen the impact of consuming so much of it by drinking copious amounts of water throughout the day.

Avoid Sauces

Soy sauce is yet another way that sodium works its way into Chinese food, and the sweeter sauces contain lots of carbohydrates. Some Chinese restaurants offer alternatives, but in almost every case, someone can request that the sauces not be used at all.

Use Rice as Filler

Rice is an incredibly healthy food, and while it might not make a satisfying meal on its own, it can lessen someone's appetite for the fattier things on the menu. Of course, fried rice is just as bad as anything else on the menu; it's steamed rice or bust for those who want to get in shape.

Cantonese is What the Doctor Ordered

Cantonese dishes tend to be made with better ingredients, and they're generally lighter than other Chinese dishes. Another alternative is to order foods that place an emphasis on vegetables over everything else. A prime example would be beef and broccoli.

Mention Special Needs

Not everyone can have everything, and Chinese food may contain elements that could cause problems beyond mere weight gain. Mentioning that to the person working at the restaurant when the order is placed can help avoid the snafus that accompany eating something that's completely inappropriate.

Avoid Nuts and Fried Food

Most dieters are fully aware that they should avoid fried food, and Chinese food is no exception. What people may not be aware of is that there are a lot of Chinese dishes that heavily feature nuts, and while nuts are healthy in small servings, they add a lot of fat and calories to dishes where they are key ingredients. It may be possible to get a restaurant to omit the nuts or reduce the amount they use in certain dishes, but if they won't, it's better to just avoid those dishes altogether.

Slimming Down Isn't Easy

Ordering takeout is always a gamble, but Chinese food does provide some healthy alternatives for those who don't want to expand their waistlines. It's a bit of a minefield at first, but with a little practice and knowledge, it's more than possible to get enjoyable food that won't require someone to add another notch to his belt.

Chloe Summers is a guest writer for delivery.com, a site she recommends for finding the best delivery options in your area.