6 tips to avoid getting fat during Chinese New Year

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, many office workers are preparing to go home and feast on the sumptuous meals prepared by their mothers. However, according to a 2013 survey by the National Health Administration, more than 50% of the people have gained weight during the Chinese New Year. Those who gained weight gained an average of 1.9 kilograms, and their waists and abdomens became bloated and deformed. To get rid of the New Year fat, you must first start with the New Year's Eve dinner. Nutritionist Zhao Hanying teaches 6 tricks to make your meal nutritious and burden-free, so that you can still maintain a good figure after the New Year without having to work hard to lose weight.

Not restricting your diet during Chinese New Year can easily lead to a large amount of fat accumulation. If you also lack exercise, you are likely to gain weight. (Photography by Hong Yuqi)

Tip 1: Choose lean meat and more seafood for protein

Avoid fatty meat, and choose more lean meat and seafood, such as chicken breast, squid, clams, sea cucumber, fish, etc. They are low in fat and rich in protein, which can enhance physical strength and prevent you from getting hungry too quickly. They are very good choices!

Tip 2: Choose high-fiber starch and less sweets

Try to avoid refined white rice, white noodles, sweets and beverages. These foods rich in sugar can easily turn into fat and accumulate in the belly. Please choose more high-fiber whole grain root vegetables, such as: purple rice, brown rice, sweet potato, pumpkin, yam, etc., which have a higher fiber content and are easier to stabilize blood sugar, reducing the chance of conversion into fat and accumulation of fat.

Tip 3: Cook with steaming, boiling or frying instead of deep frying

Cooking oil is very high in calories. One tablespoon of salad oil provides 135 calories, which is nearly the calories of half a bowl of rice. It is recommended not to choose high-temperature fried foods as not only are the calories high, but you may also consume too much saturated fat, which causes visceral fat accumulation. The more recommended healthy cooking methods include: steaming, boiling, stir-frying, etc.

Eating more vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber can help smooth bowel movements and promote environmental protection in the body.

Tip 4: Eat more vegetables without getting stuck in the oil

Always remember to eat more vegetables and supplement with enough fiber, which can help smooth bowel movements and promote environmental protection in the body. In addition, eating vegetables first can make you feel fuller more easily and reduce the chance of overeating. You can choose more broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, large tomatoes, etc. It is recommended to eat 9 fist-sized portions of vegetables a day.

Tip 5: Choose spices to help your metabolism

Many natural plant spices have the benefit of helping metabolism, so you can choose more, such as: garlic, pepper, red turmeric, chili and purple onion, etc. Choosing these warming foods in moderation can not only enhance immunity, but also help improve poor circulation.

Tip 6: Say no to processed products, natural is best

Common meatballs and dumplings contain invisible salt, fat and starch. Add to that the dipping sauce that is essential for hot pot, and it is not only high in calories but also develops a habit of heavy flavors, which is a burden on the body. Try to avoid processed foods, eat foods in their natural form, and avoid too much unnecessary dipping sauce.

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