In weather perfect for hibernation, are you still putting in efforts outdoors?
n weather perfect for hibernation, some have already retreated under their blankets, preparing to consume calories to get through the winter. However, defying conventional wisdom, there are those who, despite just experiencing an extreme cold snap and approaching the Chinese New Year, still don their sports attire, running shoes, and hop on their bikes to exercise outdoors, burning calories only to maintain their athletic performance and ideal physique. Nevertheless, after a workout, the desire for a hearty meal kicks in. In the cold weather, there's always the feeling that one can keep eating. So, in this season of hearty appetites, how can one eat to satisfaction without going overboard on calories? This time, we'll share four winter dietary combinations suitable for athletes, allowing you to indulge and stay lean while staying diligent!.
Hot Pot
Hot pot restaurants are undoubtedly a popular choice for families in Taiwan during the winter. Gathering around a steaming hot pot with friends and family not only warms the body but also warms the heart. For athletes who need to control their diet, hot pot is an ideal option. From the broth at the bottom to the ingredients and sauces, individuals can make their own choices and combinations. The cooking process in boiling water minimizes nutrient loss, making it an optimal choice.
Opt for light broths such as kombu, tomato, or the author's favorite, peeled chili. When it comes to ingredients, try to limit processed foods like hot pot ingredients, and focus on consuming more meat and vegetables. Pay attention to sauces, and avoid adding high-calorie sauces like satay or bean paste. Instead, enhance the flavor with ingredients like fresh chili, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and diced onions.
Hot pot is synonymous with winter in Taiwan!
Thai Cuisine
When it comes to Thai cuisine, one might immediately think of rich flavors from coconut milk, curry, and more. However, Thai cuisine also offers many low-calorie and incredibly delicious options. With the synergy of various spices, it provides a great deal of warmth during the winter. Understanding the cooking methods behind the dishes allows you to select foods suitable for dietary management. Opting for cooking techniques such as boiling, stir-frying, deep-frying, baking, and mixing, it becomes easy to indulge in delicious meals without the burden of excessive calories.
Thai cuisine is also a good choice for winter dietary control.
The advantage of Thai cuisine lies in the fact that the flavors come predominantly from natural plant-based spices. With moderate seasoning, the ingredients maintain their original form, allowing you to enjoy the inherent nutrition. Dishes like green papaya salad, salads, Tom Yum soup, steamed lemon fish, and more offer a variety of choices. As long as most of the dishes align with your preferences, indulging in a must-try Thai dish like moon prawn cakes with family is a delightful option!
Barbecue
Similar to hot pot, offers the advantage of freedom in ingredient selection. While barbecue restaurants outside provide unlimited choices of meat, endless drinks, and never-ending ice cream, if you are focusing on dietary control, a simple solution is to buy a grill plate and enjoy a cost-effective barbecue feast at home. In comparison to hot pot, the texture and ingredient choices in barbecue differ. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and other vegetables are excellent options for the grill. Meat, when grilled, develops unique flavors, and seasoning often requires just a sprinkle of salt to be delicious. Opt for lean cuts with higher protein content when choosing meats, such as pork or chicken loin, front and rear leg meat, beef shoulder, and belly meat—all excellent choices.
The sizzling sound of barbecue always opens up the appetite and excites the taste buds.
The grand feast of Chinese cuisine
Finally, the author highly recommends creating a full Chinese banquet with your own hands. For those who enjoy cooking regularly, consider preparing a healthy and delicious full Chinese banquet for your family this Chinese New Year! Taking charge of everything from buying ingredients, cooking, to seasoning ensures optimal flavoring and nutritional intake. It might sound a bit different from the traditional New Year's Eve dinner at first glance, but many dish selections are quite similar! Dishes like simmered mushroom chicken soup, blanched white shrimp Sichuan-style, and steamed bass offer a variety of choices. Let your creativity shine in the kitchen, and during the Chinese New Year, feel free to enjoy without being overly strict. If you see something you like or crave, go ahead and savor it!
The hearty New Year's Eve dinner is one of the most anticipated aspects of New Year's Eve.
While cooking in the kitchen, one essential item is the Magnetic Fitness Phone Mount. Not only is it convenient during workouts at the gym, but it also sticks to any surface in the kitchen. It makes it easy and practical to watch recipe videos, allowing you to effortlessly create a table full of delicious dishes!
The versatile Magnetic Fitness Phone Mount can be conveniently used in various situations.
Diet control is not a short-term battle but a long-term habit. Integrating nutrition and health into daily life allows you to always find the best choices for your food. Both exercise and diet are integral parts of life, and the desires of the palate and a healthy body should be balanced and considered together!