Chinese New Year is a perfect time to get together with family and friends. It’s a time to catch up, bond, and celebrate the year that was and the year to come. Nothing beats a family affair surrounded by good cheers and yes, great and sumptuous feast.
Just when you are about to take a spoonful, you remembered, “Gosh, I am on diet!” Or, “I vowed to fulfill my health resolutions!” It’s a dilemma, right?But, you don’t have to worry too. You can and you should enjoy the Chinese New Year guilt-free and fat-free. To avoid weight gain, here are some healthy ways to celebrate Chinese New Year:
- Limit your festive meal intake by portioning them out on a small plate. By using a small plate, you can limit your servings. Also, you may want to consider sharing the festive treats with your friends and relatives.
- Include a fish dish on your table. Fish is rich in protein that promotes muscle growth, but does not necessarily make you look fat. Yu Shengis definitely a better choice compared to other fatty dishes if you want to control calorie intake.
- Replace white rice with whole grains or brown rice. Unlike white rice, whole grains and brown rice are rich in dietary fibre that not only prevent weight gain but also promote weight loss.
- Drink tea. We know the power of tea in boosting metabolism and controlling weight gain. If tea is not available, choose beverages that are sugar-free or have low sugar content.
- Prepare healthy desserts. Instead of the highly sugared treats such as chocolates and ice creams, choose fruit salads. You may want to include dry fruits that are rich in dietary fibre such as kiwis, prunes, and dates. They can be eaten moderately to satisfy your sweet tooth with less calorie worry.
- Cook food that requires less oil. Healthier cooking methods such as boiling and steaming are ideal choices. But if using oil is necessary, purposely use less oil to significantly reduce calorie intake.
- Eat slowly and mindfully. In contrast, overeating and eating quickly not only ruins the digestion but also leads to weight gain.
Chinese New Year calls for abundance wherein plenty of food are served. Do not let calorie worry ruin your celebration when you can actually eat your fill without gaining weight.
