Shocked by the Scale After Tet
N. (30, Hanoi) was stunned to see the scale after his long Tet holiday: He had gained 7kg, bringing his weight to nearly 90kg. The festive period, filled with beer and rich foods, caused his weight to spiral out of control.
From the 23rd day of the lunar month to now, N. has been continuously gathering with friends and family for New Year parties and class reunions. “It’s rare to visit home, so I couldn’t refuse invitations to celebrate,” he shared. Every day included at least one drinking session, where he consumed 6-7 cans of beer alongside a table full of high-calorie Tet dishes like meat rolls, sausage, and sticky rice cakes.
Endless drinking sessions over Tet have left many young adults struggling with extra pounds (Photo: Minh Nhật).
The lack of physical activity combined with excessive drinking led to a significant weight gain. “I can’t believe the number on the scale,” he sighed.
Despite anticipating weight gain from previous Tets, N. had planned to run with friends to burn off calories before the holiday. He woke up at 5:30 AM to jog 5km, but this discipline lasted only two days. “The cold weather and festive atmosphere made it hard to resist laziness,” he admitted.
With messages from friends and colleagues about post-holiday gatherings, N. realized that the “Tet lifestyle” would continue, making his fitness goals seem even more distant.
A Year of Gym Efforts Ruined by Tet
Chi (25, Hanoi) invested in personal training and regular gym sessions to maintain her figure throughout the year. Her efforts paid off, but a week of indulgence during Tet wiped out all her progress.
Chi couldn’t resist the allure of the Tet feast, filled with fried and stir-fried dishes. “Fried foods were something I rarely ate, but they looked irresistible during Tet,” she confessed.
The temptation increased when her nephews visited from the countryside, leading to frequent outings for meals. Believing that “Tet is a time for relaxation and family bonding, not strict dieting,” she let go of calorie counting.
When the holiday ended, she was shocked to find herself above 50kg.
The Tet feast was a major contributor to Chi’s weight gain (Photo: Provided by Chi).
Her fridge is still packed with leftover Tet treats like sticky rice cakes, meat rolls, and roasted chicken. With plans to clear out the fridge, she has postponed her weight loss plans.
Similarly, My (27, Soc Son), an avid sports enthusiast, found her exercise routine disrupted by Tet. Her family enjoys making sweet sticky rice cakes, which she can’t resist despite their high caloric content.
My’s fridge remains stocked with Tet leftovers (Photo: Provided by My).
While Tet is a time for enjoyment, it also poses challenges for those aiming to stay fit.
The Tet Diet Trap
Dr. Doan Du Manh, a member of the Vietnam Vascular Disease Association, warns that failing to adjust eating habits and lifestyle after Tet can lead to health issues. Excessive consumption of high-calorie foods and alcohol can harm the digestive system, heart, and liver.
To lose weight safely, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, while reducing overall calorie intake. Adults should consume around 1,800-2,200 kcal daily, depending on gender and activity level. Without sufficient physical activity, excess calories will be stored as fat. Therefore, combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is crucial for effective weight management.
