It’s that time of year again when we stuff our faces with reunion dinners and good luck foods. Although we all love a good feast, staying on track with our fitness goals during the Chinese New Year can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you stay fit after the Chinese New Year!
Always stay active.
It’s Chinese New Year, but that doesn’t mean you can just sit around and do nothing. You can still find time to fit in a quick workout just because you’re busy visiting relatives and catching up with old friends. Schedule your activities in your diary and make them a priority. A 30-minute session at the gym or a brisk walk in the park is all it takes to stay active. In addition, climbing stairs instead of taking a lift or playing physical games during gatherings are effective ways to keep active. It will burn calories and help burn more calories at the same time.
Watch what you eat.
Indulging over the holidays is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to overdo it. Balance your meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit your intake of oily and fried foods. It’s also important to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Get enough sleep.
A night of inadequate sleep can lead to bad food choices and canceled workout plans. When you’re tired, you want to eat more but feel less satisfied. Take advantage of any chance to nap or have a break during the holiday period. Lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and a weakened immune system. Ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily.
Water is your best friend.
Even mildly dehydrated, your body can mistake thirst for hunger. So before you head to any event, drink a glass of water. It is also super important to drink lots of water after a big day of eating to help flush out the wastes accumulated from feasting.
Keeping in shape throughout the Chinese New Year does not have to be complicated. It takes some drive and a little adjusting of old habits. Still, you will thank yourself at the end of the holiday season when you discover you are not a few kilograms heavier or suffering from festive bloating.
References:
6 tips to staying healthy during Chinese New Year: Roleaf online. Roleaf Tea Online Shop | Your Best Tea Brand in Malaysia. (2021, February 22) from https://roleaf.com/2021/02/16/6-tips-to-staying-healthy-during-chinese-new-year/
Food tips. HealthXchange from https://www.healthxchange.sg/food-nutrition/food-tips/healthy-eating-tips-chinese-new-year
plus, H. (2017, January 10). A dietitian’s 7 tips to stay healthy & slim during Chinese New Year. Mount Elizabeth Hospital. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://beta.mountelizabeth.com.sg/healthplus/article/7-tips-to-stay-slim-and-healthy-chinese-new-year
