The amount of food waste in Taiwan in one day is enough to pile up 70 Taipei 101 buildings! Nutritionists teach 4 tips for choosing low-carb New Year dishes

The amount of food waste in Taiwan in one day can be piled up to form 70 Taipei 101 buildings! At the beginning of the new year, nutritionist Cai Wenyan from Shin Kong Hospital suggests that everyone should start with diet to embrace a more environmentally friendly and healthy green life. The easiest way is to start with a low-carb diet. Especially as the Lunar New Year is approaching, how can we choose green and low-carbon New Year dishes and avoid excessive food waste? And what are the tips for healthy hotpot eating around the stove? How to choose snacks wisely? You may want to learn the following tips from a nutritionist!

Planned abundance every year

1. Planned Procurement

Plan your menu in advance to avoid over-purchasing and reduce leftovers.

2. Keep it properly

Store food ingredients properly to extend their shelf life and reduce food spoilage.

3. Make good use of surplus

Turn leftovers into delicious dishes to avoid waste and maximize the value of ingredients.

4.Sufficient heating

When eating again, the dishes should be thoroughly heated to above 70 degrees. Reduce the number of times food is reheated and frozen to avoid increasing the risk of bacterial growth.

The benefits of eating seasonal ingredients

1. Fresh and delicious

Seasonal ingredients are harvested at the most appropriate time of year for the highest nutritional value and best flavor.

2. Environmental protection

Protect the environment and ecology, reduce meat consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to the environment.

3. Support local

Eat seasonal ingredients to reduce food transportation mileage and support local agricultural development.

Seasonal ingredients are harvested at the most appropriate time of year for the highest nutritional value and best flavor.

4 tips for choosing green and low-carbon New Year dishes

1. Choose local ingredients to reduce carbon emissions

Seasonal ingredients not only ensure freshness, but also reduce the carbon footprint generated during transportation. They also support local agricultural development and have a positive impact on both the environment and the economy.

2. Diverse vegetarian New Year dishes

Reduce meat consumption, reduce carbon emissions, soy products, nuts, whole grains and a variety of vegetables, plant protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and can also reduce cholesterol and saturated fat intake.

3. Reduce the use of processed foods

Processed foods often release large amounts of greenhouse gases during their production. Over-reliance on such foods will not only increase carbon emissions, but may also have adverse effects on health.

4. Green cooking method: low-carbon cooking

Choosing low-carbon cooking methods, such as steaming, boiling, and stewing, can reduce energy consumption compared to high-temperature frying methods such as frying, pan-frying, and baking, while also retaining the nutritional value of ingredients and reducing fat intake.

3 tips for healthy hot pot eating

1. Choose the right soup base to improve your health

No matter which soup base you choose, it is recommended to drink the soup in moderation, avoid drinking too much thick soup, and avoid consuming too much sodium.

2. Select ingredients and eat a balanced diet

Processed foods such as meatballs, fish dumplings, egg dumplings, crab sticks, etc. are convenient, but they are high in sodium and contain a variety of additives. It is recommended to reduce their use and focus on natural ingredients.

3. Dipping sauce is delicious and healthy

Do not use too much dipping sauce to avoid increasing the intake of hidden calories and sodium. Use natural seasonings such as onions, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, lemon juice, vinegar, etc.

No matter which soup base you choose, it is recommended to drink the soup in moderation, avoid drinking too much thick soup, and avoid consuming too much sodium.

Smart Choices for Chinese New Year Snacks and Drinks

Candy

They often contain a lot of added sugar. Excessive consumption can cause blood sugar fluctuations. Control the intake of candy. You can also choose lower-calorie konjac jelly or low-sugar dark chocolate.

Nuts

It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, but high in calories. The recommended daily intake is about 1 to 2 tablespoons. Avoid processed nuts that are high in salt or added sugar.

Pastry

Rice cake, steamed cake and radish cake are all carbohydrates, which can easily cause excessive fluctuations in blood sugar. It is recommended to replace the staple food of the meal when eating, and choose steaming or baking when cooking, and avoid frying or pan-frying.

drinks

Avoid sugary drinks, drink in moderation, try to choose sugar-free tea or homemade sugar-free drinks, such as lemonade, kumquat tea, etc., which are refreshing and can relieve greasiness during the New Year's festival.

In addition to preparing New Year's dishes and choosing New Year's snacks that comply with low-carbon principles, Shin Kong Hospital employees also respond to activities through the APP and adopt a vegetarian diet on the 14th of each month, representing practical actions to respond to environmental protection and save the earth.