https://www.scmp.com/rss/328010/feed Novella Lui is a registered dietitian in Canada and is a freelance writer for Style SCMP. Based in Canada and Hong Kong, Novella is a registered dietitian who wears many hats: a bilingual nutrition and health writer, a speaker, and a subject matter expert for food companies, not-for-profit organisations and corporate wellness programmes. As a foodie and a globetrotter, she loves to seek new flavours and explore different cuisines. When she is not travelling, you can find her looking for hidden... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Fasting is not a new concept. We fast without realising it when we sleep, we fast before medical procedures or diagnostic tests, and of course some people have been fasting for cultural or religious reasons for hundreds of years. However these days, fasting has become a fashionable route to weight loss or improved health. Netflix’s recent (Un)well series also helped to put the trend of intermittent fasting firmly on our radars. So what is it exactly? In contrast to traditional... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3102110/netflixs-unwell-made-intermittent-fasting-trend-does?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3102110/netflixs-unwell-made-intermittent-fasting-trend-does?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2020 00:00:22 +0000 When global pop sensation Adele showed off her weight loss success, everyone was asking how she did it. It turns out the answer is through the sirtfood diet. The programme co-creators and nutrition researchers, Aidan Goggins and Glen Matten, claim that shedding “seven pounds in seven days” is easy peasy. Does this sound too good to be true? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brief Essentials Active (@beactive.ng) on May 9, 2020 at 6:42am... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3095531/adele-credits-sirtfood-diet-her-weight-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3095531/adele-credits-sirtfood-diet-her-weight-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Aug 2020 00:00:16 +0000 If you are working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, have you noticed you are snacking more often than you would if you were working in the office? With easy and frequent access to the pantry and fridge, your clothes may feel a lot more snug before the lockdown is over. The good news is you can keep the weight off by snacking in moderation. In fact, snacking can still be a part of a healthy meal pattern by choosing foods with higher nutritional qualities. Making healthier snacks from... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3081907/working-home-during-coronavirus-pandemic-4-healthy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3081907/working-home-during-coronavirus-pandemic-4-healthy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Apr 2020 18:00:08 +0000 Since the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus a global pandemic earlier this month, many countries around the world have urged or mandated individuals to stay home and practice social distancing. While being in large crowds and dining out are off limits for the time being, the global lockdown is prompting many to explore their culinary talents and enjoy family meals at home. Before you brace yourself for the long queues at supermarkets, make sure you have a shopping list ready so... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3077297/coronavirus-shopping-list-avoid-panic-buying-essential?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3077297/coronavirus-shopping-list-avoid-panic-buying-essential?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2020 22:00:16 +0000 Compared to a fast food meal, sushi is seen as a healthier choice as it offers lower fat and leaner proteins. But is sushi actually that healthy? Yes – and no. Like most dishes, there are hidden culprits in sushi choices that can easily turn your meal from light to loaded. 5 hotpot food swaps for a healthier meal Next time you feel like eating sushi, try these nine hacks for a healthier meal. Order a side of veggies Most sushi items generally contain little to no vegetables. That said, one of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3052018/can-eating-sushi-be-bad-you-9-hacks-healthier-japanese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3052018/can-eating-sushi-be-bad-you-9-hacks-healthier-japanese?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Feb 2020 04:00:10 +0000 Feeling a bit sluggish after the holidays? Have you noticed your clothes are feeling snug? Overindulging a little during the festive season is OK. After all, it only happens once a year. But before you start searching for the latest fad diet on the internet to set your weight loss goal as part of your new year’s resolutions, let us take a closer look at some of the common nutrition myths about managing weight. Myth #1 – drinking lemon water helps with losing weight         View... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3049867/does-drinking-lemon-water-really-help-you-lose-weight-5?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3049867/does-drinking-lemon-water-really-help-you-lose-weight-5?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:00:13 +0000 Pan-fried or deep-fried dim sum dishes are clearly not the healthiest options, but this does not mean all steamed dishes are necessarily better. In fact, many of these are either made with fatty meats and/or prepared with added fat, salt and/or sugar. In this second part of STYLE’s dim sum swap feature, we suss out which item could possibly be a healthier choice with lower calories, sodium and fat. 5 hotpot food swaps for a healthier meal Steamed barbecue pork bun or steamed chicken... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3043689/dim-sum-swap-series-part-2-which-healthier-barbecue-pork-or?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3043689/dim-sum-swap-series-part-2-which-healthier-barbecue-pork-or?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Dec 2019 06:00:10 +0000 There is nothing more characteristic of Cantonese cuisine than dim sum. With an endless number of menu food items to choose from, how can anyone resist ordering their favourites? If you eat dim sum regularly, then making wise choices is important for minimising your risk of weight gain and chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. It may be challenging to determine which menu item is healthier without looking into their nutritional make-up. In part one of two articles, we will... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3043690/dim-sum-swap-series-which-dumpling-options-are-healthier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3043690/dim-sum-swap-series-which-dumpling-options-are-healthier?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Dec 2019 04:00:18 +0000 As the weather gets cooler, many of us are gearing up for the hotpot season. Whether you enjoy your hotpot meal at home or at a restaurant, keeping your appetite in check and counting the calories in the offered food items is essential to minimising overeating and weight gain. Previously, I shared practical strategies on tackling a hotpot meal. Let’s dive deeper by looking at the calories and the nutrients present in the common hotpot foods and how you can make wise choices without compromising... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3037690/5-hotpot-food-swaps-healthier-restaurant-meal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3037690/5-hotpot-food-swaps-healthier-restaurant-meal?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Nov 2019 08:00:15 +0000 According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most frequent form of cancer among women, affecting 2.1 million females worldwide annually. While there are a number of risk factors which you cannot change, such as a family history with breast cancer, you can reduce your risk by avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke. Other lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk are maintaining a healthy body weight and engaging in regular physical activity. In fact, being... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3034021/breast-cancer-awareness-month-5-tips-help-you-stay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3034021/breast-cancer-awareness-month-5-tips-help-you-stay?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Oct 2019 02:00:09 +0000 We all feel absent-minded sometimes. You may blame your forgetfulness on stress, ageing, or lack of sleep, but eating well is one of the essential ways of keeping your brain healthy. The health of the brain and the heart are intertwined. Like the heart, the brain needs to be well nourished. A diet that is high in sugar, unhealthy fats and excessive calories, may lead to poor circulation – including poor circulation to the brain In fact, the health of the brain and the heart are intertwined. Like... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3027114/what-foods-should-you-eat-keep-your-brain-sharp-and-healthy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3027114/what-foods-should-you-eat-keep-your-brain-sharp-and-healthy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Sep 2019 06:00:10 +0000 A recent gastronomy trip to Sichuan that consisted of Chongqing hotpots and savoury Sichuan dishes like hot and sour glass noodles got me fascinated about chilli peppers. The burning sensation experienced was unpleasant at first, but the more I indulged in spicy dishes, the more I craved the heat. What is the science behind the love-hate relationship people have with chillies? Botanically a fruit but consumed as a vegetable, chilli peppers are cultivated and enjoyed around the globe where they... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3020256/how-do-you-measure-how-hot-your-chinese-and-thai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3020256/how-do-you-measure-how-hot-your-chinese-and-thai?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2019 04:00:12 +0000 Sources claim Kate Middleton went on the Dukan Diet before the royal wedding with Prince William and after her pregnancy to shed excess weight. With numerous diet regimens to choose from, what makes this European diet so appealing? You are expected to lose a pound in weight every five days   According to the Dukan Diet website, the diet was created in the seventies by the French general practitioner Dr Pierre Dukan, who recommends a high protein, low-fat and low-carb diet, split into four... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3017848/kate-middletons-dukan-diet-what-it-and-do-you-have-what?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3017848/kate-middletons-dukan-diet-what-it-and-do-you-have-what?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jul 2019 04:00:10 +0000 Oreos, Ritz crackers, pure plain chocolate and certain brands and flavours of potato crisps or chips are just some of the examples of Western foods that are made for non-vegans but are also suitable for vegans. Also known as “accidentally vegan” foods, they do not contain any animal products or derivatives. Why Hongkongers find a vegan lifestyle difficult to embrace However, there are numerous Asian foods sold in Hong Kong that are accidentally vegan, too. 1. Inari sushi We often associate... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3008727/accidentally-vegan-8-cruelty-free-asian-foods-try-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3008727/accidentally-vegan-8-cruelty-free-asian-foods-try-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 May 2019 18:00:14 +0000 Whether you’re a vegan or opt for the occasional vegan meal, the chances are you’ve encountered a faux pas or two along the way. At times, dishes or ingredients can sound vegan, but in fact they actually contain animal products such as eggs, dairy and honey.   Vegans and vegetarians, rejoice – new app ‘soo where to eat’ has you covered in Hong Kong To help you navigate your way through the different foods in Hong Kong, here is a list of common foods that have hidden, animal-based... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3008315/7-foods-vegans-think-they-can-eat-hong-kong-have-hidden?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3008315/7-foods-vegans-think-they-can-eat-hong-kong-have-hidden?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 May 2019 02:00:12 +0000 As more Hongkongers follow a vegan diet, vegan eateries are becoming more plentiful. Many vegan eateries offer Westernised and/or Asian-fusion dishes. Similarly, for vegan recipes online, a search on the internet brings pages of non-Chinese recipes. Vegans may run into challenges when ordering Chinese vegan dishes because the terms vegetarian and vegan are used loosely, and sometimes interchangeably, in the Chinese language. A common assumption is that Chinese vegetarian dishes are also vegan... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3004652/it-vegan-7-chinese-dishes-are-completely-plant-based?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3004652/it-vegan-7-chinese-dishes-are-completely-plant-based?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2019 10:00:07 +0000 Taiwanese singer and actor Jay Chou, a big fan of boba tea and spokesman for milk tea brand You Le Mei, has quit the drink because he was gaining weight, and in order to prepare for his next film. But how fattening is bubble tea, and can you drink it without feeling guilty? A typical 500ml milk tea with tapioca pearls consists of 325 calories. Most places now offer a larger 700ml as the regular size, which has 455 calories. A healthy snack has 150 to 300 calories. So drinking one standard-sized... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3003272/drinking-bubble-tea-whats-it-and-how-can-you-cut-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3003272/drinking-bubble-tea-whats-it-and-how-can-you-cut-back?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Mar 2019 02:00:04 +0000 Eating dim sum is a part of most Hongkongers’ lifestyle. Whether this delicious meal is enjoyed at the weekends, or during the lunch hour, many people enjoy the tradition of picking and choosing dishes from the wide selection of foods served in the steamy hot bamboo baskets. However, what many people do not realise – or try to avoid thinking about – is that the average dim sum lunch – five steamed items, two fried items, two braised or stewed items and one dessert – can add up to about 900... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3001828/how-dim-sum-lovers-can-stay-healthy-and-avoid-900?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3001828/how-dim-sum-lovers-can-stay-healthy-and-avoid-900?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Mar 2019 02:00:10 +0000 Like many Hongkongers, I grew up eating street food. These ready-to-eat snacks are part of the city’s food culture, and “sweeping the streets” is a must-do activity for many people to help them pass the time with friends after work and at weekends. While street food is part of my repertoire, I have learnt to enjoy these guilty pleasures sparingly. 5 of the best healthy meal-delivery plans in Hong Kong As a registered dietitian, I am well aware of the hidden calories, sodium and fat they pack –... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2187736/big-fat-truth-about-health-risks-hong-kong-street-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2187736/big-fat-truth-about-health-risks-hong-kong-street-food?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Mar 2019 02:00:30 +0000 During Year of the Pig celebrations, you will come across an array of traditional foods, from dried fruits and sweets placed in a bright red lacquered candy box, to mouth-watering glutinous rice cakes and deep-fried peanut dumplings, and to the delectable poon choi. If you do not want to put on more excess weight during this 15-day celebration, here are some ways to make wise choices: The Tray of Togetherness The Tray of Togetherness is a box with six or eight compartments, filled with... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2185638/how-enjoy-lunar-new-year-feasts-without-putting-weight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2185638/how-enjoy-lunar-new-year-feasts-without-putting-weight?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Feb 2019 05:30:45 +0000 Hotpot – a traditional Chinese cooking method where a simmering pot of soup stock sits in the centre of a dining table while people drop assorted ingredients, including meat, fish and vegetables, into the bubbling liquid – is one of the best meal choices to stay warm in winter. Whether it is enjoyed at home or at a hotpot restaurant, you can spend a great deal of time with your companions and letting time fly while the soup boils. The downside though, is that the more time one spends at hotpot,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2182700/can-eating-hotpot-be-guilt-free-nutritionist-shows-you?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2182700/can-eating-hotpot-be-guilt-free-nutritionist-shows-you?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Jan 2019 04:00:30 +0000 When you are walking down the grocery aisle, which components of the food packaging catch your eye? The logo, the product image, the slogans or the colours? Are there statements on the wrappers that resonate with you, such as “Asia’s favourite” or “Better than the leading brand”? The front of a package is usually packed with information, and it’s not always easy to absorb what is presented. Choosing food has become more challenging for consumers as food companies promote their products in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2179091/food-packaging-decoded-how-unpack-mind-boggling-list?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2179091/food-packaging-decoded-how-unpack-mind-boggling-list?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Dec 2018 07:01:22 +0000 Have you ever wondered why you felt tired or wanted to nap after a holiday meal? You would probably assume the combination of attending to festivities and the winter blues is causing the tiredness. You are partially correct; the holiday season tends to put us into that relaxed state where we want to sleep in or take a nap. However, eating a large meal is the primary cause of “food comas”. Also known as postprandial somnolence, food coma is our body’s physiological response to overeating. You may... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2178459/5-ways-avoid-food-coma-overeating-over-festive-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2178459/5-ways-avoid-food-coma-overeating-over-festive-season?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Dec 2018 02:02:29 +0000 With the holiday of Thanksgiving on Thursday – and the Christmas fast approaching – you have probably noticed that your calendar is filling up quickly with gatherings with family, friends and colleagues. Often, lots of food is served at these gatherings, which may start you to wonder: “How can I keep my waistline in check without needing to make new year’s resolutions that I might not keep?” First of all, there is nothing wrong with indulging in a little more than you normally eat, especially... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2174332/turkey-or-ham-how-make-healthy-food-choices-and-still?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2174332/turkey-or-ham-how-make-healthy-food-choices-and-still?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Nov 2018 08:45:45 +0000 The month of November serves a deeper meaning for men than just gearing up for the holiday season. It is also known as “Movember” in many countries – a health awareness campaign where men grow their moustaches during the month to raise funds for cancer research. It is an innovative approach to raise men’s awareness of prostate cancer and to help men be proactive in reducing their risk of developing the disease. According to World Cancer Research Fund International, prostate cancer is the second... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2172093/movember-learn-about-prostate-cancer-prevention-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2172093/movember-learn-about-prostate-cancer-prevention-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Nov 2018 02:03:58 +0000 When it comes to wines, it’s not a matter of red or white any more. For committed oenophiles, the million-dollar question is: organic or biodynamic? Happy World Sake Day: 6 of the best rice wine drinks around While wine is a product of two processes – the growing (planting, cultivating and harvesting) and the making (crushing, fermenting, processing and bottling) – the terms “organic” and “biodynamic” simply refer to the agricultural practices followed. Unlike conventional varieties, organic... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2170150/organic-vs-biodynamic-wines-whats-difference-and-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2170150/organic-vs-biodynamic-wines-whats-difference-and-one?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Oct 2018 05:02:27 +0000 You have probably come across the vegan diet through chatting with friends, colleagues, your gym buddy, and maybe through browsing the beautiful food images posted by celebrities and KOLs whom you follow on social media. You have also seen restaurant menus labelling dishes as vegan-friendly. But do you know what it means to eat like a vegan? To put it into the simplest terms, an individual who follows a vegan diet does not eat any animal-based products. These products include meat, poultry,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2168255/what-does-it-really-mean-eat-vegan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2168255/what-does-it-really-mean-eat-vegan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Oct 2018 08:02:34 +0000 When you see the words superfood, organic, all-natural and gluten-free do you let your guard down and deem the product healthy? How many times have you been suckered into buying something you didn’t like or need simply because of the marketing buzzword? 5 Hong Kong restaurants serving delicious, healthy food this summer Let’s debunk some popular foods that create what we call the “health halo effect”, where food marketers imply that products are healthier than they actually are. Kale Don’t get... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2161162/halo-effect-superfood-gluten-free-and-organic-food-are?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2161162/halo-effect-superfood-gluten-free-and-organic-food-are?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Aug 2018 04:00:45 +0000 You have probably have heard of the ketogenic diet, also known as the keto diet. Your friends may be doing it, your workout buddy may be on it, and even A-listed celebrities, such as actress Halle Berry and the television personality and socialite Kourtney Kardashian have adopted and raved about it. What exactly is it? Why ‘healthier’ low-fat ice cream may not be cool for your body To put it simply, the ketogenic diet includes foods with low levels of carbohydrates (5 per cent of total... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2156467/halle-berry-and-kourtney-kardashian-approve-keto-diet?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2156467/halle-berry-and-kourtney-kardashian-approve-keto-diet?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Jul 2018 14:00:45 +0000