As the vibrant festivities of Chinese New Year approach, so does the tempting array of delicious, albeit often indulgent and unhealthy, treats. Visitations aside, relatives, friends and loved ones would gift us with tins and bottles of yummy Chinese New Year goodies. It’s near impossible to resist the temptation of snacking on some high-calorie, melt-in-your-mouth kueh bangkit or those addictive love letters when they’re just lying around within arms reach in our homes! However, amidst the celebrations, it's essential to strike a balance between enjoying festive treats and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We believe that rather than obsessing over a calorie deficit approach, eating better is a healthier and more sustainable approach when it comes to benefiting our overall health, energy levels and even our skin.

Understanding calorie deficit

Calorie deficit is a term frequently associated with weight loss. In simple terms, it involves consuming fewer calories than your body burns. While this method can be effective for shedding the extra kilos, it often emphasises restriction and may not necessarily promote overall well-being. Plus, if you’re consuming empty but fewer calories, that don’t nourish you and your body in any way, you would be setting yourself back. 

Instead of fixating solely on numbers, let's shift our focus to a more holistic approach — eating well.

Eating well – what does it actually mean?

"Eating well" transcends the mere quantification of calories. It involves nourishing your body with a variety of nutritious foods that provide the essential nutrients required for optimal health, energy, and vitality. A balanced diet not only supports weight management but also contributes to overall well-being and yes, that includes your skin!

The common adage "you are what you eat" holds more truth than we might realise. The food choices we make impact our skin health directly. Nutrient-rich foods play a crucial role in maintaining the elasticity, glow, health and resilience of our skin. On the contrary, a diet high in processed foods and sugars can lead to inflammation, breakouts and premature ageing.

3 tips for eating better

Eat a variety of food

Embrace a colourful array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Each food group contributes unique vitamins and minerals essential for different bodily functions. Aim for variety to ensure your body receives a broad spectrum of nutrients.

Everything in moderation

Eating well doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your favourite bak kwa and pineapple tarts anymore. It simply means to include plenty of nutritious foods in your diet, but also to indulge – but indulge in moderation. Savour each bite mindfully and be conscious of portion sizes. 

Hydrate inside and out

While savouring the festive treats, don't forget the importance of staying hydrated. Water not only aids in digestion, circulation and getting rid of toxins in the body, but it also plays a vital role in maintaining skin health. 

In fact, a 2007 study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science took an in-depth look at the effects of long-term water intake on skin health and found that drinking 2.25 litres of water every day for four weeks altered skin density and thickness. A second study from the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that drinking 500 millilitres of water increased blood flow to the skin.

Balancing indulgence with self-care

As we revel in the joyous moments of the Chinese New Year, it's crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and self-care. While enjoying all the yummy foods that this festive period brings, remember that moderation is the key to a sustainable and healthy relationship with food. 

Additionally, prioritise hydration to keep your skin glowing from within. Feeding hydration to your skin’s surface is also crucial to replenish moisture and manage breakouts. We’ve got a couple of hydrating products in our range of skincare to help with that!

Clear Skin Treatment Essence

 

This deeply hydrating treatment essence is a cocktail of powerful antioxidants and active ingredients to fortify the skin's natural defences which reduces moisture loss and prevents breakouts.

 

Megaboost Hyaluronic+ Concentrate Serum

We’ve blended hyaluronic acid together with hydrating ingredients like indian gooseberry and ferula assa foetida root extract to bind moisture to your skin and keep it moisturised for long.

 

Deluxe Hydra Nutrient Mist

A mix of powerful hydrating and anti-ageing ingredients like rose, goji berries and snow fungus, our best-selling mist comes in a handy 50ml bottle so you can take it with you on-the-go for an instant and lasting burst of hydration.

 

Dose Of Omega 7 Hydrating Emulsion

This contains high concentrations of key active ingredients namely terpenoids, flavonoids, chamazulene and α-bisabolol that act as catalysts to enhance the skin’s ability of self-hydration 24/7.

 

Ultra-Revive H2O+ Masque

A leave-on mask for intensive hydration and moisture retention.

 

This Chinese New Year, let's redefine our approach to nutrition by shifting our focus from the restrictive concept of calorie deficit to the nourishing practice of eating better! And if you need guidance on your skin health journey, our clean beauty gurus are just a WhatsApp message away at 8809 0065, ready to offer a complimentary consultation. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous Chinese New Year!

References:

Rawlings, A. (2008) ‘The 2007 International Journal of Cosmetic Science Publication Prize’, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 30(2), pp. 153–154. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00435.x.