Chinese food in the U.S. caters to American taste, with fried food and meat-based entrees, rather than the large amounts of grain and vegetable based dishes traditionally found in China. 

Steer clear of fried foods like egg rolls, crispy orange beef, and kung pao chicken.  An order of kung pao chicken, can contain 1,275 calories and the same amount of fat as 4 McDoanlds quarter pounders!  A better option is to choose low-fat dishes that are stir-fried or steamed and loaded with vegetables and lean protein.  If you find steamed dishes bland, order one stir-fried dish and one steamed dish and mix them together.  The sauce will add flavor to the steamed option, and will reduce the calorie and fat content of the stir-fried dish.