General TSO Chicken Calories is known for its spicy and delicious flavor, but can I have it without adding a pound on the waist? You’re not alone! This one of the most loved meals in the Chinese cuisine due to its peculiar sweet and spicy sauce as well as crunchy coating. However, a great taste is nearly always accompanied by even greater calories. Today, I will be sharing with you the Ins and Outs of General Tso’s Chicken, talk about its nutritional breakdown, and alternatives to this not so healthy dish to follow fitness lifestyle promotion.
Introduction to General Tso’s Chicken and its Popularity
Calories for general tso’s chicken has evolved into a “must order” for most Americas who love Chinese foods, and even those beyond the United States. Golden and crispy with perfectly cooked tender chicken pieces smothered with a sweet and sour sauce that is hot, highly addictive and always loved. It is quite unclear, when and where this dish was created, but the dish is most likely named after General Tso Tsung-t’ang, the military man of the 19th century. This dish isn’t originally from China but rather is an American-Chinese concoction.
Because of the pungent flavor and the texture of the dish, many people tend to order the General Tso’s Chicken. It comes frequently as one of the standards on the menus of Chinese cafes and takeaways, which makes it easy for many to reach for it. However, what many of the food lovers, especially those trying to shed some weight cannot ignore is the calorie content of the dish.
Nutritional Breakdown: General Tso’s Chicken Calories, Fat, Carbs, and Protein
To get an idea of why General Tso’s Chicken may be a calorie laden food, let’s look at its nutrition values. A typical serving of General Tso’s Chicken (about one cup) contains:
Calories: Approximately 1,300 calories
Fat: Around 70 grams
Carbohydrates: About 60 grams
Protein: Approximately 30 grams
These numbers can even differ depending on the recipe used and the method of preparation involved though these show a general perception of how much you might be taking. The calorie and fat content are especially high because the food is deep fried and the sugary sauce. Carbohydrates can be accounted for by the cornstarch used in breading chicken and. It is really beneficial to remember that just one serving of calories in general tso chicken is at least 300 calories, pretty steep for someone who is watching his/her weight more than his/her health. Further, the fats are high especially saturated fats, which are not good for the heart if taken often.
Exploring Serving Sizes as Well as Portion Sizes
Probably the most effective way of ensuring that the number of calories consumed is within the healthy range is moderation, particularly when it comes to serving sizes. Portion sizes in many restaurant servings tend to be much bigger than recommended serving sizes or even contain servings from two or three different categories combined. Here are some tips to help you manage portion sizes:
Share with a Friend: If you are eating out then you should order one portion and then split it half with someone else. This apart from aiding in the consumption of lesser calories makes it possible for one to taste different foods.
Box Half for Later: As soon as the food gets served, pack half of it before touching the dish. This way you are not able to eat the whole portion as this will make you very full and you will not be able to eat anything else.
Use Smaller Plates: In the home serve the foods in proper plate size this is to make the portion look bigger and prevent overeating. This way even though you take the General Tso’s Chicken you do not gain much weight because the portions are controlled.
Healthier Alternatives and Cooking Methods for General Tso’s Chicken
Those of you who love general tso’s chicken calories but are trying to cut down on your indulgence, here are some healthier substitutions and grilling tips. Here are a few suggestions:
Baked General Tso’s Chicken: This should not be deep fried, what about baking the chicken? Season the chicken pieces with mild cornstarch and put the chicken pieces in the oven until crispy. This allows for a massive reduction in fat content while still resulting in a product that has a lovely texture.
Grilled or Stir-Fried Chicken: Change fried chicken with grilled chicken or stir fried chicken. It does not require a batter and deep frying and thus it is low in calorie and fat than the usual chicken fry.
Homemade Sauce: You should try preparing your sauces at home with fresh and healthy ingredients. Refrain from using refined table sugar or replace it with natural sugar such as honey or maple syrup. Try to add sliced fresh ginger and garlic to give the meals more flavor and still remains free from calories.
Increase Vegetables: You should use more vegetables in your dish since they will enrich your dish with essential nutrients. The bell peppers, broccoli and snap peas serve us vitamins and fibers’ requirements.
Ten strategies for better eating
Choosing better doesn’t mean only changing the ingredients; it means choosing new eating behaviors. Here are some practical tips to help you make better decisions:
Plan Your Meals: Eating plans therefore can assist you make healthy decisions about what to eat without having to take hasty decisions. Make a schedule for the weekly meals that have to be consumed to ensure that the proportions contain lots of vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
Read Nutrition Labels: While out picking groceries, it’s important to read some nutritional information. Choose products with less sugar and fat, and exclude these products containing high quantity of sodium and additives.