Eat, Drink, Prosper – But Not Put On Pounds This Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is all about celebrating and connecting with loved ones – and what’s a stronger bonding factor than food? From pineapple tarts to bak kwa and endless yu sheng, it’s a non-stop feast fest. But let’s be real: it’s also the season of unbuttoning jeans and vowing to “start eating healthy tomorrow” (not to mention undoing all those New Year fitness resolutions)!
With a few hacks and a little bit of discipline, you can still enjoy all the festive goodies without tipping the scales. Here’s how I navigate the annual CNY food marathon without sacrificing my waistline.
Portion control is key
Those tins of pineapple tarts and love letters are calling your name, but say no to your aunty shoving the whole container at you. Instead of snacking straight from the source (no judgement, we’ve all been there), try portioning them onto a small plate.
Why? When you can see how much you’re eating, you’re less likely to overindulge. Bonus tip: use chopsticks to eat snacks – it slows you down and makes you think twice before reaching for that next piece of bak kwa!
Keep tabs on those calories
Logging your meals on a calorie counting app may seem a little extra, but trust us, it works. These apps show you the number of calories you’ve been munching on throughout the day, helping you avoid going overboard. I use Lose It! to log my meals – it even helps tailor a “calorie budget” based on gender, height, current weight, and age, ensuring you don’t exceed your Basal Metabolic Rate.
Think of it as balancing a food budget: if you splurge on cornflake cookies, you might want to go lighter on the kueh bangkit later. Moderation is key to many things in life, including LNY snacks!
Drink smart
Festive drinks are sneaky culprits when it comes to calorie overload. The sugar from sodas and sweet teas like chrysanthemum and lychee can add up fast. If there’s a choice, always go for low-sugar or sugar-free drinks instead. Otherwise, you’ll never go wrong with plain water.
Tip: Craving a can of soda? Switch to sparkling water instead – you’ll get the same fizz but with zero calories.
IMAGE: CANVA
Sharing is caring
Received a mountain of snacks from your relatives? Share the love (and the calories). Offer goodies to your friends and family so you won’t be left with a stash of temptations at home. Plus, sharing means you get to enjoy a bit of everything without overindulging.
Sneak in quick workouts
With all the visiting and feasting, finding time to exercise can be tough. My solution? Slot in quick, efficient workouts like a 30-minute HIIT session at home in the morning or a brisk run along my park connector.
Even better, get the fam involved! Organise a post-lunch friendly game of badminton or pickleball – it’s a great way to bond and burn off some of those scrumptious meals at the same time.
Get your steps in
Don’t underestimate the power of walking. Aim for 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day – it’s easier than you think during LNY. Instead of taking a cab, use public transport to get to your relatives’ houses. Or even better, walk! And when you get to their HDB, take the stairs instead of the lift (your quads will thank you).
Little changes add up, and before you know it, you’ve turned a day of visiting into a mini workout.
Avoid mindless snacking
It’s easy to munch away on pineapple tarts while binge-watching LNY dramas, catching up with your cousins, or playing mahjong into the wee hours. But this mindless snacking can quickly add up. Be mindful of what you’re eating. Instead of plonking down a tray of snacks, stick to the small plate strategy.
Opt for lighter meals whenever possible
If you know you’re heading for a big feast at night, go lighter on food during the day. Swap your usual breakfast for a smoothie or some fresh fruit. Keep lunch simple with a salad or soup. This way, you’ll feel less guilty when you inevitably go for that second helping of roast duck.
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