Many people love hot pot but worry about gaining weight, especially women, who feel they have to resist the delicious temptation. So how can you eat hot pot while on a diet? Experts have three tips:
First, eat until you're full, don't overindulge: Although hot pot has fewer calories than typical fried, pan-fried, or stir-fried foods, eating too much can easily lead to excessive calorie intake and weight gain.
Second, try to choose fresh foods and avoid processed products. For example, dumplings and meatballs are high in fat and salt, so their consumption should be reduced.
Third, opt for low-fat and low-salt dipping sauces. If you pay attention to the calorie content of the broths—for instance, a spicy broth has 1840 calories while a Japanese sukiyaki broth has 300 calories—and make good use of the principles above, you can certainly enjoy a guilt-free hot pot season.
However, before you start eating, you also need to prepare properly.
It's best to drink a small glass of fresh juice before your meal, followed by vegetables, and then meat. This way, you can make better use of the food's nutrients, reduce the burden on your digestive system, and achieve a healthy diet.
The following are good beverage choices when eating hot pot:
Carbonated drinks: Although they have little nutritional value, the carbon dioxide can aid digestion.
Fruit juice drinks: They are rich in organic acids, which can stimulate gastrointestinal secretions, aid digestion, and make the upper small intestine acidic, which helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. However, people who are controlling their weight, the elderly, and those with high blood sugar should choose low-sugar options.
Vegetable juices, dairy products, and plant-based protein drinks: Such as yogurt, almond milk, coconut milk, and herbal teas, these are suitable for people with chronic illnesses and the elderly.
Alcoholic beverages: When eating hot pot, it's best to have some white wine or red wine, as they can kill bacteria and remove the gamey taste. They are especially suitable when eating lamb hot pot.