Watch those calories! Know exactly what you’re eating during CNY!

Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time of joyful reunions, traditions, and, perhaps most notably, feasting. Homes are stocked with an array of snacks and treats, each carrying symbolic meanings of prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. While these festive bites are delicious and integral to the celebration, many of them come with hidden calories, sugar, and fat. Let’s dive into the details of these secretly sinful treats and how to enjoy them without guilt.

Pineapple Tarts: Sweet Wealth in Every Bite

Pineapple tarts, beloved for their crumbly crust and sweet filling, are a staple during Chinese New Year. Their name, ong lai in Hokkien, translates to “fortune comes,” making them a must-have on every snack table. However, these tiny pastries are calorie-rich, with each tart containing about 80 to 100 calories, 4 to 6 grams of sugar, and 4 to 5 grams of fat. Consuming five in one sitting can easily amount to 500 calories, the equivalent of a light meal.

Bak Kwa: The Smoky and Savoury Indulgence

A quintessential festive treat, bak kwa, or barbecued pork, is hard to resist with its smoky aroma and sweet-savoury glaze. However, it’s also one of the most calorie-dense CNY foods. A single slice of bak kwa, weighing about 50 grams, packs a whopping 230 to 300 calories. It also contains around 17 to 25 grams of sugar and 600 to 800 milligrams of sodium. Eating just three slices could surpass half the daily caloric intake for an average adult.

Love Letters: Crispy, Light, and Lethal

Delicate and crispy, love letters are a crowd favourite. These wafer-thin rolls are made with sugar, eggs, and coconut milk, creating a deceptively light texture. Each roll contains about 35 to 40 calories, with 2 to 3 grams of sugar and 1.5 to 2 grams of fat. A single serving of 10 rolls can add up to 350 to 400 calories, which is similar to a full bowl of noodles.

Peanut Cookies: Crumbly Treats That Pack a Punch

Peanut cookies are a delightful combination of roasted peanuts, sugar, and butter, often enhanced with lard to achieve their melt-in-the-mouth texture. Each small cookie contains around 50 to 60 calories, with 3 to 4 grams of sugar and fat. While they are bite-sized, eating 10 cookies—a common scenario during CNY gatherings—can contribute over 500 calories to your daily intake.

Fried Shrimp Rolls: A Savoury Snack That Adds Up

Fried shrimp rolls are tiny but packed with flavour, thanks to their shrimp paste filling and crispy shell. Unfortunately, their deep-fried nature makes them calorie-dense, with a handful (10 pieces) containing about 200 to 250 calories, 10 to 12 grams of fat, and 200 to 300 milligrams of sodium. Their addictive crunch makes it easy to consume more than intended, so it’s wise to enjoy them sparingly.

Yu Sheng: A Prosperity Salad with a Caloric Twist

Yu Sheng is a symbolic dish representing prosperity, featuring a mix of shredded vegetables, crackers, and a sweet plum sauce. While its vegetable base appears healthy, the added dressings and toppings can make it calorie-heavy. A typical serving contains between 400 and 600 calories, with 20 to 30 grams of sugar and 10 to 15 grams of fat. Reducing the amount of sauce and crackers can significantly lighten this dish.

Kuih Bangkit: Light but Luscious

Kuih Bangkit, a traditional tapioca cookie, is light and airy but surprisingly calorie-rich due to its coconut milk and sugar content. Each cookie contains about 30 to 40 calories, making it easy to consume 10 or more in one sitting. This adds up to 300 to 400 calories, equivalent to a small latte with whipped cream.

Nian Gao: Sticky, Sweet, and Sneaky

Nian Gao, or sticky rice cake, is a classic CNY delicacy symbolising progress and prosperity. Steamed versions contain about 150 to 200 calories per slice, while fried versions can reach 250 to 300 calories due to added oil. Its high sugar content, around 12 to 15 grams per slice, makes it a treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Fried Arrowhead Chips: A Crispy Calorie Trap

These homemade chips, made from thinly sliced arrowhead root, are deep-fried to perfection. While undeniably tasty, a serving of 30 grams can contain 150 to 180 calories, with 8 to 10 grams of fat and 200 to 250 milligrams of sodium. Given their addictive nature, finishing a small tub of 100 grams can mean consuming over 500 calories in one sitting.

Sesame Balls (Jian Dui): A Chewy Calorie Bomb

Sesame balls are made from glutinous rice flour, filled with sweet pastes like red bean or lotus seed, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Each ball contains about 100 to 150 calories, with 6 to 8 grams of sugar and 5 to 7 grams of fat. Eating just three sesame balls can contribute nearly 450 calories to your day.

Balancing Indulgence with Moderation

Chinese New Year is a celebration of abundance, but it’s possible to enjoy the festivities without overindulging. Being mindful of portion sizes and making healthier choices can go a long way. Using smaller plates, drinking water between snacks, and balancing high-calorie treats with healthier options like mandarin oranges or unsalted nuts can help maintain a balance. Additionally, exercising regularly and staying hydrated will also keep you feeling energised throughout the celebrations.

For those with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, keeping track of your health during the festive season is crucial. BUZUD offers innovative devices, such as blood pressure monitors and Continuous Glucose Monitors, to help you stay in control while enjoying the celebrations.

Celebrating Chinese New Year doesn’t have to mean compromising your health. By enjoying treats mindfully and incorporating BUZUD’s trusted products into your routine, you can savour the festive spirit while staying on track with your wellness goals.

Happy Chinese New Year! May it be a prosperous and healthy one for you and your loved ones!

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