How To Eat Moderately This CNY

Chinese New Year is an important festival in Chinese culture, and there's no doubt that we all look forward to it! Unfortunately, during this time of celebration comes the temptation of indulging in too much delicious food.

With such a wide range of festive delicacies like kueh lapis and bak kwa being readily available, it can be hard to practice moderation. However, over-indulging yourself could lead not only to health repercussions but also extra guilt for straying from your diet plan.

If you're looking for ways to enjoy this special occasion without overindulging, we have some tips that might help, so you can enjoy the festivities without worrying about consuming excess calories!

Watching Your Portions

While it’s natural to indulge during this festive period, it’s important to remember to eat in moderation so that you can enjoy the festivities without feeling too guilty or unhealthy afterwards. One of the ways to do this is by paying attention to portion sizes when making and selecting food choices.

The key to maintaining good portion control is setting realistic goals before you start eating. Ask yourself what your ideal portion size would be and then plan your meals accordingly. Doing this will help ensure that you don’t overeat during your celebrations.

Another great tip for portion control when celebrating the Chinese New Year is to use visual cues when serving yourself food. For example, opt for smaller plates or bowls instead of larger ones; this will help prevent you from dishing out too much food and encourage more mindful eating habits.

Visual cues are a great way to practice portion control because they help you visualize how much food should be on your plate. This makes it easier for you to regulate how much food you’re eating and also helps you make healthier choices about what foods to include in your meal.

In addition, visual cues allow you to monitor portions over time and make adjustments as necessary. For instance, if you notice that one serving of a particular dish is more than enough for you. You can adjust the amount accordingly next time around.

Smart substitutions in your recipes

Finally, consider making some smart substitutions in your recipes if possible. Meat is a staple ingredient in many Chinese recipes, but it’s important to be mindful of what kind you’re using when trying to make healthier versions of these dishes.

Opting for leaner cuts such as chicken breast or pork tenderloin will help reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor. When cooking with these leaner cuts, try marinating them for a few hours before cooking for added flavor and tenderness.

If you want to cut out meat altogether, there are plenty of plant-based proteins you can use instead! Tofu is one great option since it soaks up flavors easily and is high in protein – plus it can be cooked quickly!

Beans are another excellent choice – they provide fiber and protein, making them a nutrient-dense food perfect for any meal. Try adding beans or tofu into stir fry recipes for an easy way to add extra nutrients into your meals!

When preparing traditional Chinese dishes like fried rice or lo mein noodles, try subbing out white rice or regular noodles with brown rice or whole wheat noodles respectively. These types of substitutions help reduce calories while also providing more fiber, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly when using brown rice or whole wheat noodles!

You can also substitute vegetable oil with olive oil when frying foods – this helps lower saturated fat content while adding in beneficial monounsaturated fats!

Eating healthily doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods during holidays like the Chinese New Year! By making smart substitutions when available, you can enjoy delicious meals without all the guilt associated with typical holiday feasting.

Try to snack on some fresh fruits

It's a good idea to snack on some fresh fruits throughout the day during Chinese New Year celebrations. Not only will this help ensure that you don't overeat when it comes time for meals; consuming lots of fresh fruits and vegetables also provides your body with vitamins and minerals. Some great options include apples, oranges, carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and grapes.

If you're looking for snack with a bit more flavor than raw produce, there are plenty of other healthy alternatives. Air-popped popcorn is a great alternative to traditional snack foods. It contains fiber, which helps with digestion, as well as antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body. Plus, it’s a low-calorie snack – just one cup of air-popped popcorn contains only 30 calories! For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle on just a dash of salt or cinnamon.

Making your own trail mix is another way to enjoy a healthy snack during the Chinese New Year festivities. Trail mix is incredibly easy to make – all you need are some nuts or seeds like sunflower kernels and almonds, plus dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. You can also add in a few dark chocolate chips for an extra treat! This snack is full of protein and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full longer.

Fruit skewers are simple yet delicious snacks that are perfect for parties. All you need are some fruits like apples or pineapple chunks and wooden skewers. Put them together into mini kebabs and let everyone assemble their own creations! This snack is not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the preparation process – something they’ll appreciate later on!

Chinese New Year is a great period for us to enjoy ourselves with family and friends. There are so many delicious snacks and festive foods that we’d like to indulge in. But eating moderately is the key to maintaining good health, especially during this special occasion.

By making simple changes such as consuming more fruits, whole grains and plant-based proteins instead of processed or fried food; or halving your portion size, you will be able to cope better with the temptation of unhealthy treats.