10 ways to control calories during Tet, eat without fear of gaining weight

Consuming too many foods high in calories and sugar can cause unwanted weight gain, so how to control calories during Tet?

Many people use brown rice banh chung and banh tet to replace traditional banh chung to ensure health - Photo: DO ANH

Talking to Tuoi Tre Online , Dr. Le Nhat Duy - University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Facility 3 - said During Tet, traditional foods such as banh chung, jams, candies and sugary drinks are always indispensable highlights on the party table.

However, consuming too many foods high in calories and sugar can cause unwanted weight gain, loss of blood sugar control and affect health.

Here are some tips from doctors to effectively control calorie intake to fully enjoy Tet while still maintaining health:

1. Portion control by dividing the portion: Instead of eating a large amount of banh chung or banh tet at once, divide the portion and only eat about 1-2 slices per meal. Combine with green vegetables to reduce fat absorption.

2. Smart food substitution : Instead of high-fat banh chung or banh tet, choose vegetarian or low-fat banh chung. Limit eating the fatty meat and skin in the filling.

With Tet jam should Limit jams that are high in sugar, such as pumpkin jam or coconut jam. Instead, choose dried fruits that are unsweetened or low in sugar, such as apples, raisins, and dried apricots.

Note on candy You should prioritize cakes made from oats, nutritious seeds or sugar-free. Limit cakes with a lot of butter, cream or chocolate coating.

3. Be mindful when drinking sugary drinks : Instead of soft drinks, choose unsweetened fresh fruit juices, green tea or water.

Alcohol contains a lot of empty calories, so limit yourself to 1-2 small glasses per day and drink with water to reduce harmful effects.

Or you can use herbal tea. Such as: ginger tea, chamomile tea or artichoke tea not only help quench thirst but also aid digestion and control blood sugar levels.

4. Eat lots of green vegetables and fiber-rich foods : Green vegetables and fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, radishes, and carrots not only help the body feel full for a long time but also slow down the absorption of sugar and fat. Make sure each meal has at least 1-2 portions of green vegetables.

5. Prioritize light physical activity by staying active: Spend at least 30 minutes a day walking, jogging lightly or doing yoga, helping to burn excess energy and maintain a stable weight.

Take advantage of traditional Tet activities such as cleaning the house, wishing a happy new year or participating in folk games to increase calorie consumption.

6. Keep a scientific eating schedule : Breakfast is the time to help activate the metabolism. Start the day with a healthy snack such as oatmeal, low-sugar yogurt or whole grain bread. Maintain a regular eating schedule, avoid eating late at night because it is easy to store excess fat.

7. Prepare healthy food yourself : If possible, prepare Tet dishes at home to control the ingredients. Reduce the amount of sugar, salt and fat in dishes such as banh chung, gio lua or Tet jam.

Make desserts like puddings or jellies with sugar substitutes like sugar substitutes or honey.

8. Focus on quality over quantity : Enjoy your food slowly, chew thoroughly and savor the flavors. This will not only help you feel full longer but also prevent overeating.

9. Use foods that aid digestion : Add a few slices of ginger to your drinking water or tea to help with digestion after eating fatty foods.

Or use warm lemon water by drinking a cup of warm lemon water mixed with honey in the morning to stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.

Pay attention to eating fruits like pineapple, oranges, grapefruit after meals to help supplement digestive enzymes and reduce fat absorption.

10. Exercise, maintain a reasonable exercise and lifestyle: Get enough sleep, on time, do not stay up too late during Tet. This is also one of the things to keep in mind to control your health during Tet.

"Maintaining a reasonable diet and lifestyle and controlling calories will help you not only fully enjoy Tet but also protect your long-term health.

Remember, the important thing is not to abstain completely, but to eat in moderation and choose foods wisely," Dr. Duy emphasized.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/10-cach-kiem-soat-calo-ngay-tet-an-nhung-khong-so-map-20250126121305242.htm