Chinese New Year is just around the corner! It’s a festive season, and soon after CNY, we have Ramadan, followed by Hari Raya Aidilfitri! These two big celebrations in Malaysia are quite close together. Malaysians love expressing their affection for family and friends through food. However, overeating during or after festive seasons can lead to health issues.
Since Chinese New Year falls in January, many are still holding on to their New Year’s resolutions, such as losing weight or eating healthily—it’s too early to give up, right?
Don’t worry; Vealthme is here to help! We’ve got some healthy eating tips to keep you on track with your resolutions and avoid overindulging this Chinese New Year. The key is moderation, but how do you achieve it?
Here are CONFIRMED-WORK tips to enjoy the festivities while maintaining a balanced approach to eating.
Pre-Feast Tips
Have a light, balanced snack beforehand
Avoid overeating by having a small, healthy snack before visiting family or friends. For example, enjoy a mandarin orange or a handful of nuts to curb hunger.
Survey the food options
Open houses often feature an array of tempting dishes. Prioritize your favorites and skip sampling everything. If you want to try a variety, take small bites.
Mid-Feast Tips
Focus on quality over quantity
Savor a few bites of indulgent dishes instead of piling your plate high. Avoid being “greedy” to prevent overeating.
Don’t forget your veggies
Vegetables are high in fiber and low in calories, making them a great option to fill your plate first. Add creative options like stir-fried broccoli, mushrooms, or a veggie platter yee sang.
Track your sugary desserts
Desserts like nian gao and kuih kapit are festive staples. Limit yourself to 1-2 pieces to save room for other treats.
Portion out popular snacks
Snacks like pineapple tarts or bak kwa can be easy to overeat while chatting. Portion out 2-3 pieces at a time to avoid mindless munching.
Eat slowly to savor each bite
Eating slowly improves digestion and nutrient absorption while helping regulate appetite. It also gives your body time to signal when you’re full.
Post-Feast Tips
Incorporate more fruits and whole grains
After the festivities, balance out the sweets with a variety of fruits and whole grains.
Plan ahead for exercise
Light activities like walking or yoga can help you rebalance your routine and burn off those extra calories.
Remember These Festive Tips
- Focus on the social and cultural aspects of the celebration, not just the food.
- Avoid stress-eating or overeating out of politeness.
Stay Smart, Eat Mindfully This Snake Year and lither into Healthier Choices this CNY 2025!
