Chinese New Year Calorie Guide and Tips

Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai! This is the season of New Year’s resolutions, red packets and of course, feasting. But while one or two treats during this season won’t lead to that pair of jeans getting tighter, the frequent consumption of these high-calorie goodies could lead to significant fat gain, especially given how close Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year are.

Most people overeat 39 per cent more calories than they normally do during the festive season, and nearly 45 per cent of people gain an average of 1.7kg during the Chinese New Year holidays, according to a 2012 survey by Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration. In addition, there’s the additional sugar, sodium and oil that traditional Chinese New Year foods are packed with; all which could lead to water retention and bloating, and contribute to a puffier appearance on the days you want to look your best.

Moreover, it doesn’t help that most Chinese New Year snacks and goodies are so small and easy to overeat, and yet many of them have more calories than a bowl of rice. Here are some of the calorie counts in some common Chinese New Year snacks!

However, all is not lost! You don’t have to be give up on those New Year’s resolutions. Here are some tips to help keep on track during this festive season!

1. Don’t head out to that reunion dinner buffet or gathering with a growling empty stomach, you’ll be more likely to snack on nuts while waiting, which can add up to excess calories. Instead, eat a light snack like fruit (mandarin oranges) or some yogurt or crackers. 

2. We’ve all had that moment where we open a pack of snacks intending to eat half but before we know it, we’ve emptied the entire packet. Portion out your snacks (eg. take 2 pineapple tarts from the container and close it) so it is less likely we binge on snacks. 

3. Avoid the packet drinks and beer at reunion dinner and instead reach for good old plain water. Sugary drinks add up fast and are essentially empty calories. 

4. Many of us take the CNY holidays to laze around. Try to keep active by sneaking in your normal workouts (whether it be lifting weights, running or swimming) between visitations, and keep moving and being active during this period. 

5. Choose your snacks wisely and take the ones you prefer. If you have a caloric restriction, center the choice of your snacks around that. 

But if you do end up binging during the CNY feasting, don’t fret! So long you get back on track to a normal diet and exercise routine, it won’t derail you from your goals. If you need help achieving those fitness New Year resolutions, hit up any of our friendly trainers and we will help you kickstart your fitness journey this CNY and Get That Fit Look!