Calories from CNY goodies can really add up. Experts share tips on managing those tempting little treats. By Yip Wai Yee.

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When counting calories, Chinese New Year treats are the Crouching Tigers, Hidden Dragons of snack foods.

A single pineapple tart, for example, has 93 calories, which would take a 10-minute walk up the stairs to burn off.

(Also Read: Easy Ways to Burn Off CNY Snack Calories)

Still, with some careful planning, it is possible to indulge without bingeing.

Here are eight tips on how to snack responsibly.

1 Do not go visiting on an empty stomach. Eat a proper meal before visiting to prevent the munchies from attacking.

2 Prioritise your favourite snacks and stick to eating only the top three, rather than trying every snack served.

3 Select your treats and put them in a small bowl and eat only those. Do not refill.

4 Savour every mouthful by chewing slowly.

5 Plan to visit houses in the same area on the same day and try to walk from place to place to burn some calories.

6 Opt for healthier snacks such as Mandarin oranges. If you must snack on high-calorie items, choose those without nuts, chocolate or other extra toppings.

7 Watch out for empty calories in sugar-laden soft drinks. Choose water or sugar-free tea instead.

8 Remember to socialise. Stay away from the food tables and focus your energy on catching up with your loved ones.

Sources: Ms Angena Teo, senior dietitian of Dietetic & Food Services at Changi General Hospital; Ms Bibi Chia, principal dietitian at Raffles Diabetes & Endocrine Centre.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on January 31, 2016, with the headline ‘Smart snacking Count your calories’.

Also Read:
Managing Diabetes During Chinese New Year 
8 Ways to Eat and Drink Smart This CNY
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Recipe: Low-calorie Yusheng