Wanna Eat Healthier During CNY This Year? These 5 Easy Tips Can Help

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But with so much good food, it can be easy to overeat during the festive season, leaving you feeling sluggish and low on energy. Plus, some iconic CNY eats are pretty calorie-heavy.

Of course, we're not saying that you should completely skip your favourite festive snacks and dishes — it's all about enjoying them in moderation and listening to your body's cues so you don't overindulge.

Some also look for ways to eat healthier during Chinese New Year, and for those people, we've got some simple tips you can try. By making a few small adjustments to your eating habits during the celebrations this year, you can still enjoy all your favorite CNY dishes and snacks without overdoing it.

When going from house to house visiting all your different relatives, you're expected to eat a bit at each place. But if you show up with an empty stomach, it'll be much harder to resist overindulging in all the goodies laid out.

To avoid this, eat a proper meal at home before heading out. If you're not eating lunch or dinner at your relatives' place, fill up on something healthy at home so you won't be tempted to snack too much when you arrive.

That way, you'll spend more time enjoying conversations with your family and less time mindlessly snacking. After all, Chinese New Year is about spending quality time together, not just about the food.

We know how tempting it is to devour jars of love letters and peanut cookies, and of course, you don't have to skip them entirely, but you could also balance them out with some healthier snacks.

Like nuts and seeds? Munch on ones that are roasted or baked, without any added sugar, salt, or honey. In fact, kuaci is a perfect go-to snack that's both tasty and better for your health.

You could also get creative by making healthier or less sugary versions of your favorite CNY treats to bring along for others to enjoy while visiting. For example, try making pineapple tarts with whole wheat flour and less sugar, or bake nian gao instead of frying.

And if all else fails, just share the snacks you wanna enjoy with your loved ones, so you don't end up eating too much by yourself.

During Chinese New Year, it's easy to spend hours sitting while you eat, chat, and play cards or mahjong. And then, there's always the post-meal food coma that has us all napping or lounging around doing nothing.

Why not get moving instead? You don't have to hit the gym or do a full-on workout — just simple activities like going for a walk with your family, organising a friendly game of badminton, or even doing some light stretching can make a big difference.

If your family is up for it, you could even turn exercise into a fun competition, motivating each other to stay active.

If you're the one whipping up your family's reunion dinner, there's a simple yet impactful way to make your dishes healthier: swap out sugar and salt for more natural, nutritious alternatives. Try using herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients that pack a punch of flavour without the drawbacks.

For example, ginger and garlic are fantastic for adding depth and richness to your dishes. Both are not only delicious but also have numerous health benefits.

Fresh herbs like coriander, basil, and parsley can add brightness and freshness to your food without the need for additional salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime can elevate your dishes with a zesty, tangy kick, while fruits like pineapple, orange, or even apples can introduce natural sweetness.

If you're preparing soups, try making your own broth using fresh vegetables and bones. The slow simmering process will extract all the goodness from these ingredients, creating a flavourful base without the need for excess sodium.

Whether it's the rich soy sauce that accompanies a perfectly steamed fish or the sweet plum sauce drizzled over yee sang, we all love the flavorful sauces that come with Chinese New Year dishes. However, what we don't often realise is that these sauces are often loaded with hidden sugars and sodium.

A good way to enjoy the food without going overboard is to simply reduce the amount of sauce you use. Instead of drowning your food in it, try using just a small drizzle or dip. You'll still get the delicious flavour, but in a much more controlled and balanced way.

Alternatively, you can also opt for dishes that naturally don't require heavy sauces, like steamed vegetables or grilled meats. These choices are not only healthier but also allow you to really savour the fresh, natural flavours of the ingredients.