The standard takeout container for a side of rice from a Chinese restaurant contains 2 cup(s) of rice, equivalent to 415 calories.
(Note: One-half cup of cooked rice constitutes “one Pyramid serving” of grains)
For many people, this side dish of rice covers more than half of their recommended grain servings for the day.
Unfortunately, most people often perceive “a side of rice” as just one grain serving, regardless of the amount they eat!
This also demonstrates how quickly the calories in a standard Chinese lunch special add up.
Let’s crunch some numbers:
- Average lunch special entree: 350 – 500 calories
- Average side of rice: 415 calories (remember, all that rice is tightly packed!)
- Average egg roll (comes with lunch special): 150 – 200 calories
- Average packet of egg roll sauce: 25 – 30 calories
- Can of soda (again, comes with lunch special): 143 calories
- Average order of hot & sour soup (also comes with lunch special): 100 calories
On average, you are looking at a lunch that provides anywhere from 1,183 to 1,388 calories. This is roughly 70 percent of a 45-year-old man’s recommended daily calorie intake.
Certainly explains why you tend to crave an early afternoon nap whenever the office orders Chinese!
Next time a co-worker brings a Chinese restaurant menu to your office for “fried pork Friday”, be prepared. Donate your egg roll, split your side of rice with someone else, and opt for a calorie-free beverage. Those three minor changes save you a grand total of 475 calories!
