Healthy eating lifestyle trending among Chinese youngsters

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By CGTN’s Wang Mengzhen, Dai Piaoyi

Still obsessed with China's many, diverse cuisines? That may not be the case for Chinese youngsters anymore, as healthy eating has become the norm for them. Following the trend, an increasing number of light food restaurants have created a buzz in many Chinese cities.

Yan Qi is a white-collar worker living in Beijing. She feeds herself light food like salads and sandwiches almost six days a week. She believes this is an integral part of her healthy lifestyle.

"In the beginning, I tried light food to stay healthy and lose weight. Even though the taste is not as rich as traditional Chinese cuisines, I do feel light dishes are easier on the body. The light food also matches well with my exercising and helps me to have a more regular routine," Yan Qi spoke highly of eating light food.

Yan Qi eats light food at home. /CGTN Photos

In line with her healthy eating habits, Yan goes to the gym about 3 times a week to keep fit. She usually exchange ideas with people working out in her gym about the healthy recipes and recommendations of good light food restaurants.

“Usually people who work out regularly pay close attention to their diet so as to maximize the effect of their exercising, " Yan said.

Nowadays, more light food restaurants have grabbed young people’s attention around China, especially in the first and second-tier cities.

Rich in protein and vitamins, low in calories and carbohydrates... that’s how these light food restaurants are trying to woo diners. By choosing exotic and trendy food like avocados, and embellishing them with some fancy preparation, these restaurants turn healthy dishes into a tool for socializing.

Light and good-looking dishes in Mai Fresh, a newly-opened healthy food cafe inside a traditional Hutong of Beijing. /CGTN Photos

Jeff Ji is the owner of a newly-opened healthy food cafe named “Mai Fresh”, located deep in a traditional Hutong of Beijing. He did not expect such massive crowds when the cafe opened in May.

"As Chinese get richer nowadays, people are not just trying to have enough food or a feast, they also pursue good-looking and light meals. What they really crave is to eat healthier and lighter dishes. On the other hand, light food cafes offer an ideal place for young people to hang out with friends, which may also help gain success on first dates," said Jeff.

Apart from young people, nutritionists also cheer for the growing trend. But more importantly, how can people eat light without losing nutrition essentials like vitamins and protein?

One of the many light food cafes in Beijing /‍CGTN Photos

Liu Yinghua, director of nutrition department of China PLA General Hospital, says unlike fasting or dieting, eating light is to choose nutritious food that satisfies while limiting the calorie intake. We advise people within the normal weight range to try light meals one or two days a week. For those who are overweight or obese, they could try three or four times per week.

“Life does get lighter with healthy food.” That’s what many Chinese young people like Yan Qi are advocating. It is part of a refreshing lifestyle that more Chinese people are now trying to live.

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