The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and mooncakes have become an indispensable holiday food for every household. However, it is worth noting that due to its high sugar and oil content, mooncakes should not be consumed excessively. Experts remind that a typical double-yolk Cantonese-style mooncake weighs about 185 grams and contains an astonishing 800 calories, equivalent to roughly the energy of three bowls of rice. Burning off these calories would require a brisk walk of up to two and a half hours, and the sugar content is also remarkably high, equivalent to about 19 sugar cubes.
To avoid unnecessary calorie burden during the festival, consumers can pay attention to the nutritional information on the packaging when choosing mooncakes and opt for products with lower calories or moderate portion sizes. Many health-oriented mooncakes have appeared in the market, made with fiber-rich ingredients such as nuts, seeds, red dates, persimmons, pineapples, and pomelos, reducing the addition of sugar, making them a better choice. Furthermore, changing the way mooncakes are consumed is also a good strategy, such as cutting them into small pieces to share with family and friends or tasting small amounts at a time to avoid excessive calorie intake at once, remembering not to treat mooncakes as regular meals.
To balance the high calories of mooncakes with nutrition, it is recommended to pair them with seasonal fruits such as pomelos, persimmons, grapes, and dragon fruits, which are rich in dietary fiber, promote intestinal motility, enhance immune system and antioxidant capabilities, benefiting overall health. In addition, opting for unsweetened tea instead of sugary drinks is a wise choice to reduce extra calorie and sugar intake, making the festive gathering of the Mid-Autumn Festival healthier and more enjoyable.
