A guide to healthy traditions for Lunar New Year

For millions of Asians and Asian American people, the Lunar New Year, which begins in 2025 on January 29, is an annual time of renewal, reflection and traditions that promote health and longevity. This year, the celebrations lead directly into American Heart Month, an opportunity to focus on heart health and well-being. As the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, the American Heart Association is proud to support families in living a prosperous new year with meaningful health guidance.

“By weaving healthy habits into cherished traditions, families can set the foundation for a vibrant year ahead while honoring their cultural heritage. As women, the gatekeepers of health in our families, we play a vital role in leading the traditions of Lunar New Year,” said Jia Wu, a national member of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women volunteer class of 2023.

“This celebration is not just about honoring the past but setting the tone for a healthier future with the ones we love. As a survivor of cardiovascular disease and a national volunteer for the American Heart Association, I understand the importance of prioritizing health and being an advocate for ourselves and our families to ensure many more joyful celebrations together.”

Heart-healthy tips for lunar new year celebrations

The American Heart Association offers tips to help families celebrate cultural traditions while promoting good health:

• Celebrate with nutritious foods: Traditional dishes like steamed fish, fresh vegetables and fruits are naturally low in saturated fats and high in essential nutrients. According to the American Heart Association, incorporating heart-healthy oils and reducing salt and sugar in recipes can enhance health benefits. Korean japchae (Sweet potato noodles with vegetables), Vietnamese goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) and Chinese tang yuan (glutinous rice balls often served in light broth or ginger soup) can be prepared with reduced salt, sugar and heart-healthy oils. More heart-friendly recipes can be found at Asian Cuisine with Heart | American Heart Association.
• Celebrate through movement: Tai Chi is a Chinese practice combining gentle deliberate movement, deep breathing and meditation and has proven health benefits. Participating in traditional activities such practicing Tai Chi, or even family outdoor walks not only honors cultural heritage but also supports heart and brain health.
• Strengthen emotional connections: Reconnecting with family and friends during Lunar New Year nurtures mental well-being and reduces stress, an important factor in heart health. According to the American Heart Association, practicing gratitude and engaging in traditions promotes happiness and emotional harmony.

Honoring diversity during lunar new year

While Lunar New Year is widely celebrated in countries like China, Korea and Vietnam, it also resonates with other Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and cultures. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander people, though not traditional Lunar New Year celebrants, similarly emphasize health, community and shared meals. Hawaiian dishes like lomi-lomi salmon and poke can be enjoyed with heart-healthy adjustments, emphasizing fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients.

By embracing the principles of health and harmony this Lunar New Year, families can ring in the year of the snake with positivity and a commitment to longevity, ensuring many more years of cherished celebrations to come.