How to survive Monkey Year
Chinese New Year is the great time to gather with family and friends, and enjoy all the savoury snacks and dishes at the same time. However, we still need to be health-conscious to prevent overeating and weight gain during this fantastic fesival. Here are some useful tips to help you survive Chinese New Year without compromisng your health.
#1 Be Selective
Quality are more important than quantity. You can choose low sugar and sugar free snacks and beverages. Limit the intake of meat such as pork, chicken, and seafood. Use small plate during meal to avoid excessive food intake.
#2 Moderation is the key
From pineapple tarts to bak kwa being plated out in a constant flow, it is impossible to avoid these yummy new year goodies. But, try to limit yourself with 1 – 2 pieces snacks. Take smaller bites while eating. The other way to reduce snacks is improves the interacttion with family or friends. This will lowers the Leptin (hunger hormone) in our body.
(Leptin helps to stabilize mood by reducing the anxiety and depression)
#3 Hydrate all the time
Water is always the best option for fluids as other beverages are artificially sweetened. As alcoholic drinks are closely inevitable, limit yourself to three drinks a day.
#4 Eat plenty fruits and vegetables
By filling up with healthy fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can reduce the consumption of high energy foods and snacks. , Some vegetables dishes in Chinese New Year have symbolic meaning that bring prosperity, fortune and smooth sailing. For example, fatt choy, lettuce, and spring onion.
#5 Don’t stop moving
"It seems like a perfect excuse of shirking exercises during the hectic schedule of Chinese New Year."
This might be the wishes of most of the people.
But this is totally not exceptable! Do not let yourself stop exercising.
Let's do some light exercise in the house such as push up and plank. Go for a walk after reunion dinner together with all family members. This helps strengthening family bonds while improving physical health.
Once again, Moderation is the key to maintain health all the time. Well planned the Chinese New Year timetable beforehand so that we can enjoy this red monkey new year without exhaustion and stress!
