How to enjoy mooncakes deliciously without worrying about weight gain?
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Trọng Hưng, National Institute of Nutrition, the basic ingredients of mooncakes include flour, sugar, butter, and lard. Depending on whether it is a traditional or modern cake, or a specific brand's product, 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 texture and bold flavor, the filling is often combined with significant amounts of sugar and fat.
Mooncakes are not only sweet and fatty but also provide a fairly high amount of energy. Eating a lot in a short period can cause total energy intake to exceed requirements, which is not beneficial for weight control and metabolism, especially for people with chronic diseases.
Choose cakes with clear origins
Consumers should prioritize products with full information about the manufacturer, production address, instructions for use, and storage. For cakes purchased in the market, be cautious with products that lack labels or clear origin information.
Check production and expiration dates
Cakes must have the production date and expiration date clearly marked on the packaging. According to Dr. Nguyễn Trọng Hưng, you should prioritize freshly produced cakes and use them within a timeframe suitable to the manufacturer's instructions, rather than keeping them for too long even if they are still within the expiration date.
Observe the cake and packaging
Do not buy cakes with torn, open, crushed packaging or deformed products. Unusual colors and smells are also signs to watch out for.
Read nutrition information carefully
Not every cake has the same ingredients and energy value. Buyers should look at the information on the label to know the amount of energy, fat, and carbohydrates in each serving or per 100 g of product.
This is the basis for balancing the amount of cake eaten during the day, especially when the meal already includes many other energy-rich foods.
Eat less, divide portions
Instead of eating a whole cake at once, you can divide it into small portions and share them with your family. This way helps control the amount of cake consumed while still being able to enjoy the characteristic dish of the Mid-Autumn season.
Overweight, obese people, or those with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or undergoing treatment for chronic diseases should pay special attention to the amount of cake consumed. In cases requiring strict control of blood sugar, weight, or diet, portion selection should be considered with a doctor or nutritionist.
According to Dr. Nguyễn Trọng Hưng, people with chronic diseases can consult nutritional advice to adjust their portions appropriately. The goal is not necessarily to completely abstain from mooncakes but to control the intake, balanced with the nutritional regimen and health status of each individual.