Many people dread stepping on the scale after the Tet holiday (Lunar New Year), observing a sudden spike in weight and a larger belly. However, fitness coach Hoang Ngoc Tuan clarifies that this isn't solely due to rapid fat accumulation. Instead, the increase often stems from metabolic factors.
According to coach Hoang Ngoc Tuan, fat cannot form and accumulate rapidly in just a few days of Tet. In reality, the increased number on the scale often stems from three main causes:
**Sudden Calorie Surplus**
Excessive food intake, including a variety of energy-rich foods, contributes to this surplus.
**Overloaded Digestive System**
Tet holiday foods are often stored and reused for many days, making digestion more difficult. This leads to bloating and abdominal distension.
**Disrupted Circadian Rhythm**
The body enters a state of stress due to late nights and altered routines. Additionally, consuming many alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, nuts, and processed foods causes the body to retain water.
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In the first days back to work, prioritize a low-carb diet. *Illustration: Bui Thuy*
**Two-week solution for body recovery**
To quickly regain initial weight, losing 3-5 kg, coach Hoang Ngoc Tuan outlines a plan to "tighten" the body over approximately 14 days with specific principles:
**Reduce carbohydrates (low-carb)**
In the first days back to work, prioritize a low-carb diet. Specifically, consume only one to two carbohydrate meals per day, ideally in the evening to support recovery.
**Balance electrolytes, eliminate excess water**
Use Kaliorid to support electrolyte balance, helping the body eliminate excess water accumulated from salty food consumption and alcohol intake.
**Supplement natural potassium**
Increase intake of potassium-rich foods such as avocado, banana, or celery. This important mineral helps the body regulate fluids and reduce swelling.
**Utilize fresh ginger**
Consume about 5 g of fresh ginger daily. You can chew it raw or crush it and mix it with warm water to drink. This habit should be maintained long-term to support digestion and boost metabolism.
**Re-establish circadian rhythm**
Quickly adjust sleep schedules and maintain a regular routine to help the body recover from post-Tet stress.
Coach Tuan affirms that if these solutions are consistently applied for about two weeks, the body will quickly eliminate excess water and food, helping you regain your "fit" physique from before Tet.
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