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Celebrate Chinese New Year with healthy and mindful eating

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Category: Region NCR

CNY 2022Chinese New Year is one of the festive holidays celebrated in the country. Chinese and Filipino families alike prepare special foods specific for the holiday. These include fish, dumplings, spring rolls, “tikoy” or the traditional Chinese sweet rice cake, and noodles, among others.

Healthy eating is possible even if there are lots of foods to choose from. Here are a few tips on how we can keep our diet healthy while enjoying the Chinese New Year Celebration:

  • Choose healthy cooking methods in preparing foods. Instead of frying, foods can be cooked by boiling, steaming, roasting or baking. Use herbs, spices, and other natural flavorings to lessen the quantity of salt used and reduce sodium content of the dishes.
  • Use small amounts of oil when frying foods. If available, choose healthy cooking oil such as olive oil, corn oil, and sesame oil among others over more than the other types of cooking oil. Also, make sure that the oil is fresh. Oil that is stored for too long will oxidize and develop free radicals which are harmful for the body. Buy oil in small quantities and store it in a cool, dry place, and out of direct sunlight.
  • Serve healthy meals. Include vegetables and fresh fruits. Choose lean meat and skinless poultry instead of fatty foods. Use fresh ingredients over processed foods.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid soft drinks, alcohol, and sweetened beverages.
  • Practice portion control. Celebrations and festivities are not an excuse to over-eat. Only get the amount of food that you can eat. If possible, eat slowly for better digestion. Eating slowly will also make you feel full after eating less amount of food.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still amongst us, the Department of Health encourages the public to celebrate in the comforts of their homes. Avoid risky activities such as physically going to Chinatown, large gatherings with families and friends and visiting elderly relatives who are at greater risk of getting severe symptoms of COVID-19.

Let us ensure the safe and healthy celebration of the Chinese New Year this coming February 1. Follow the health protocols. Stay at home. Eat healthy and be active.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Written by:
NOII Theresa A. Rivas and
NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo

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