Keane LeeStay on track for your fitness resolutions this Chinese New Year with these 3 snacks.
“To stay healthy during the festive season, just watch your calories and go for lower-calorie food options,” advised Nur Irfan, 19, a freelance personal trainer and men’s physique competitor.
Here are some healthier alternatives to some of the most irresistible goodies.
Pineapple Tarts vs Dried Pineapples
Fragrant, crumbly tart topped with sweetened pineapple, this classic snack is readily available in most houses. Be careful though, each small tart packs 82 calories and its addictiveness makes it difficult to stop at 1 tart per sitting.
In comparison, dried pineapples contain only 18 calories per piece, and are able to satisfy your cravings for the sweetness and tanginess of pineapples without the accompanying guilt.
Keropok vs Banana Chips
![Keropok [Deep fried fish/prawn crackers]. Photo by: Keane Lee](https://theurbanwire.sg/wp-content/uploads/CNYS3.jpg)
Alternatively, banana chips come in smaller bites, helping to keep your mouth occupied. These chips are equally crunchy, tasty, and only contains 1/5 the amount of calories in Keropok per piece.
Mini Peanut puffs vs Shelled Groundnuts
Also known as Kok Chai, peanut puffs are traditional Chinese snacks made in the form of dumplings. Filled with ground peanuts, the mini puffs explode in your mouth when you bite into them, adding a whopping 39 calories to your body.
With shelled groundnuts, you can still savor the nutty flavor, while cutting down ¾ of the calories as compared to peanut puffs. To add some fun to this snack, clip the peanut shells on earlobes as forfeit for losing poker games.
Did this article help with your fitness resolution? Share with us some ways you cut calories this Chinese New Year!
*Information on calorie counts are taken from MyFitnessPal.com.