Primorye's Chief Dietitian Advises Switching to Seafood for the New Year
As Russian families prepare for New Year’s celebrations, the cost of a festive meal varies widely. A simple spread can run between 6,000 and 12,000 rubles, while a lavish feast may exceed 35,000 rubles. Nutrition experts, however, are warning against the high-calorie traditions that often accompany the holiday.
The traditional New Year’s feast in Russia is known for its rich, heavy dishes. Nutritionists like Yelena Vasilieva and Olga Yamilova, chief dietitian for the Primorye Regional Health Ministry, advise starting a healthier diet well before the celebrations. They recommend cutting 200 to 500 calories daily in the lead-up to the holiday.
Yamilova suggests practical changes, such as replacing sugary drinks with plain water. She also encourages adding vegetables to every meal and including fermented dairy products. For the festive table itself, she proposes swapping mayonnaise in salads for lighter alternatives.
Despite Primorye’s coastal location, seafood—often a healthier option—remains unaffordable for many residents. Yamilova still recommends budget-friendly seafood dishes like squid appetisers, marinated chum salmon, or mussel-and-vegetable salad. She also advises serving pollock aspic as a lighter alternative.
To avoid overeating, Yamilova suggests leaving the table after the first course. Guests should only return if they are still hungry, rather than lingering out of habit.
The holiday season brings both financial and health challenges for many families. Nutritionists stress that small adjustments, like reducing calories beforehand and choosing lighter dishes, can make a difference. Their advice aims to balance tradition with healthier habits during the celebrations.
