How to enjoy mooncakes deliciously without worrying about weight gain?
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. MD Nguyen Trong Hung of the National Institute of Nutrition, the basic ingredients of mooncakes include flour, sugar, butter, and lard. Depending on whether they are traditional or modern mooncakes, or on the specific brand's recipe, the proportions and ingredients may vary.
The fillings are also diverse, ranging from beans and lotus seeds to salted egg yolks. To create a soft, rich, and flavorful texture, the fillings are often combined with substantial amounts of sugar and fat.
Mooncakes are not only sweet and rich, but also provide quite a high amount of energy. Eating a lot in a short period of time can cause total energy intake to exceed the body's needs, which is unfavorable for weight control and metabolism, especially in people with chronic diseases.
Choose cakes with clear origins
Consumers should prioritize products with complete information about the manufacturer, production address, instructions for use, and storage. For store-bought cakes, be cautious with products lacking labels or clear origin information.
Check production and expiration dates
Cakes must have clearly marked production and expiration dates on the packaging. According to Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung, priority should be given to freshly produced cakes and consuming them within the timeframe recommended by the manufacturer, rather than keeping them for too long even if they are still within the expiration date.
Inspect the cakes and packaging
Do not purchase pastries with torn, unsealed, crushed packaging, or deformed products. Unusual colors, tastes, or odors are also warning signs to watch for.
Read the nutrition information carefully
Not all pastries have the same ingredients and caloric values. Buyers should check the nutrition label for energy, fat, and carbohydrate content per serving or per 100 g of product.
This serves as a basis to balance daily pastry intake, especially when meals already include many other high-energy foods.
Eat light, smaller meals
Instead of eating an entire mooncake at once, you can slice it into small portions and share it with family. This helps control intake while still enjoying this traditional Mid-Autumn treat.
People who are overweight, obese, or have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or are undergoing treatment for chronic illnesses should pay special attention to the amount of mooncakes consumed. In cases requiring strict control of blood sugar, weight, or diet, portion choices should be discussed with a doctor or dietitian.
According to Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung, people with chronic diseases can consult nutritional advice to adjust their dietary portions appropriately. The goal is not necessarily to abstain entirely from mooncakes, but to control intake, balancing it with each individual's diet and health status.