Enjoy the Lunar New Year while maintaining your figure.

Many people face the problem of tighter clothes, a heavier body, and fatigue after the Lunar New Year holiday. According to nutrition experts, weight gain after Tet not only affects aesthetics but is also a warning sign of metabolic disorders if it persists. Therefore, weight control during and immediately after Tet needs to be given due attention.

If energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, it leads to excess energy and causes overweight and obesity. During Tet (Lunar New Year), it's difficult to avoid eating more than usual. To maintain a balanced figure, self-discipline is essential. Therefore, you can apply the following principles:

Always follow the principle of substitution: sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng and bánh tét) are rich in carbohydrates. If you have eaten sticky rice cakes, only eat a small portion, and in that meal, reduce your intake of other starchy foods such as rice, sticky rice, vermicelli, and pho.

Besides, sweets and candies are often considered snacks during the first days of the new year, but this snacking habit is the reason why total energy intake far exceeds the body's actual needs. Instead of eating a lot of candies and sweets, people should choose natural nuts such as almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or less sweet fresh fruits like grapefruit, guava, and apples. Soft drinks can be replaced with water or herbal tea to reduce empty calories.

Prioritize low-calorie foods: Always choose lean cuts of meat, skinless poultry, and minimize consumption of salty broths or solidified fat to reduce saturated fat intake.

Follow the "golden" eating order: Start your meal with green vegetables or a glass of water, then move on to protein, and finally carbohydrates. This allows fiber to coat the intestinal lining, slowing down the absorption of sugar and fat, helping you feel full faster and for longer.

Always remember the 80% rule: Eat until you're about 80% full; don't try to overeat.

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly: This allows the brain time to receive satiety signals, preventing overeating.

Exercise: Visiting relatives and friends during Tet (Lunar New Year) is an opportunity to get some natural exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking each day can significantly contribute to burning energy and help your body quickly return to balance after the holiday.

Master of Nutrition Le Thi Xuan

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202601/an-tet-vui-van-giu-voc-dang-5b011f2/