Here's how long you have to walk to burn off calories from CNY goodies

Here's how long you have to walk to burn off calories from CNY goodies

You might want to think twice before popping another pineapple tart in your mouth.

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and that usually heralds a time of feasting for most of us. Pineapple tarts. Bak kwa. Love letters. Kueh lapis. The list of goodies is never-ending, but you don't want the same to be said of your weight gain.

Make a more informed decision this Chinese New Year by moderating your intake of snacks and keeping up with your exercise regime. No time to hit the gym? Well, you can always walk off the calories - but be prepared that you'll be walking for a long, long time.

Calorie calculations are based on a 55kg woman who is walking at a moderate pace. Nutritional information is taken from Health Promotion Board (HPB) and MyFitnessPal.

Pineapple tart (93kcal per piece)

What's Chinese New Year without some tasty, buttery pineapple tarts? Savour every bite of these though, because just four pieces of pineapple tarts already contain more calories than a bowl of rice.

You need to walk 28 minutes to burn off the calories.

Bak kwa (370kcal per slice)

These slices of barbequed pork jerky are sticky, chewy and oh-so-tasty, but bak kwa is really one of the biggest calorie bombs during CNY. Eating just two slices already packs more calories than a plate of chicken rice or a bowl of laksa.

You need to walk 1 hour 53 minutes to burn off the calories.

Kueh lapis (237kcal per slice)

This tasty layered cake is actually made with copious amounts of butter and sugar. Share a slice with a friend if you really can't resist.

You need to walk 1 hour 13 minutes to burn off the calories.

Kueh buloh (34kcal per piece)

These mini sponge cakes are also known as kueh bahulu. These fluffy treats are a lower-calorie alternate if you want to nibble on something sweet.

You need to walk 10 minutes to burn off the calories.

Dried shrimp roll (23kcal per piece)

Affectionately known as hae bee hiam, these tiny shrimp rolls are insanely addictive. The bad news? Each piece is deep fried and high in saturated fat - bummer for your waistline and your heart.

You need to walk 7 minutes to burn off the calories.

Kueh bangkit (15kcal per piece)

These coconut-flavoured cookies simply melt in your mouth. Make sure you watch how many you pop though, since you surely won't be able to stop at just one.

You need to walk 4 minutes 30 seconds to burn off the calories.

Yu sheng (561kcal per serving)

The combination of preserved vegetables, sesame seeds, fish and crackers is definitely tasty, but yu sheng is often drizzled in oil as well. Check out these healthy alternatives to traditional yu sheng here - at least you'll be able to lo hei with less guilt.

You need to walk 2 hours 52 minutes to burn off the calories.

Prawn cracker (15kcal per piece)

When it comes to perfectly fried prawn crackers, each piece leaves you wanting more. These savoury snacks may feel very light but are actually full of fat and cholesterol.

You need to walk 4 minutes 30 seconds to burn off the calories.

Love letter (56kcal per piece)

These crispy, crumbly goodies are made with flour, eggs, coconut milk and sugar, so it's a good idea to not go overboard with them.

You need to walk 17 minutes to burn off the calories.

(Also Read: 11 Foods You Shouldn't Refrigerate)

Cashew nut cookie (62kcal per piece)

This butter cookie is easily identified by the cashew nut on top of it. But don't be fooled into thinking that it's healthy just because it's made with nuts - each piece still packs high amounts of fat and cholesterol.

You need to walk 19 minutes to burn off the calories.

Mandarin orange (39kcal per orange)

This may not boast the lowest calorie count, but this is still the healthiest snack you can eat this CNY. Mandarin oranges are high in vitamins and fibre, plus they're unprocessed and very low in fat.

You need to walk 12 minutes to burn off the calories.

Ate a piece of everything? Well, you're looking at walking 7 hours 40 minutes to burn off a total of 1,505 calories. Huat ah!

This article was first published in Shape

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