With Christmas barely over, many of us are still feeling guilty about the Christmas feasts we had indulged in. It certainly doesn’t help that the Chinese New Year festivities are starting slightly earlier this year, with it being held at the end of January.
The first few days are usually celebrated with an endless amount of sinful, yet delicious food and snacks. However, it is still possible to maintain your waistline without going on an extreme diet.
Here are 7 Simple Ways To Survive Chinese New Year Feasting.
#1 TRY NOT TO VISIT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH
This is the same logic to why you should have a heavier breakfast to avoid having larger portions of lunch and dinner. Have a high protein breakfast which is likely to keep you feeling full longer.
You are less likely to be tempted by food if you are not feeling very hungry.
#2 USE SMALLER PLATES
There is a limit to how much you can pile your food up on a plate. Hence the smaller your plate is, the less food you can take—unless you cheat and go back for more servings. Which you know you shouldn’t be.
#3 PICK FOOD THAT ARE RICH IN FIBRE
Food rich in fibre takes longer to be fully digested, therefore keeping you fuller or a longer period of time. Choose your food wisely if you do not want to end up snacking every 30 minutes.
Vegetables, fruits and whole grains are great fillers that do not give you unnecessary calories!
#4 LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE
Alcohol is actually good for health when consumed moderately. It reduces the risk of heart diseases and may also reduce your chances of getting a stroke.
That being said, weight gain is just one of the few negative consequences should you over-consume alcoholic beverages. Try to limit yourself to only one glass for that night.
#5 SIT AWAY FROM THE FOOD
If you are one who is easily tempted, sit as far away as possible from the dining table or kitchen once you are done with dinner. This is especially important when there are so many traditional Chinese New Year snacks (which are loaded with calories) available.
You will find it a hassle to keep walking long distances to get the snack and may give up on snacking altogether.
#6 YOU DON’T HAVE TO FINISH EVERYTHING
Did you know the Chinese believe that abundance represents an excess of good fortune for the year? This is the reason why Chinese New Year feasts are always prepared so generously and in large portions.
The amount of food prepared by the host is usually more than enough!
#7 KNOW THE CALORIE COUNT OF YOUR SNACKS
Still want to eat? Go on, we won’t stop you.
But please take a look at this guide to the Calories in 12 Popular Chinese New Year Snacks.