■ To Myself One Year From Now — What Low-Carb Living Has Taught Me

Hello, I’m Wang Yue from the Changzhou team at OKUDAYA CONNECT.
In our office, it’s common for colleagues to chat about fitness and dieting during breaks.
Actually, I’ve recently started a quiet little low-carb journey of my own.
I’ve actually started a quiet little low-carb journey of my own recently.
Today, I’d like to share my experience and how I’ve come to embrace low-carb living in my daily life.

■ My Low-Carb Story

I used to add a spoonful of sugar to my coffee or soy milk without thinking twice.
Watching the sugar slowly melt into the warm liquid was oddly comforting to me.

But one day, after reading an article online, I realized something important:
Even small, everyday habits can hide surprising amounts of hidden sugar.
Since then, the idea of cutting back on carbs has quietly but firmly taken root in my daily routine.

■ Nutrition Labels Became My Compass

The first thing I changed was how I shop.
I used to choose snacks based solely on taste, but now I always check the ingredient labels.

If I spot characters like “蜜” (honey), “醤” (sauce), or “甘” (sweet), it’s an immediate no-go.
Once, I picked up a so-called “sugar-free” cookie, only to find maltose syrup listed as third in the ingredients. I quietly returned it to the shelf.

Now, I follow a two-step sugar check as a habit:

1. Check the number of grams of sugar.
2. See where sugar appears in the ingredient list (the closer to the top, the more cautious you should be).

Little by little, I developed what feels like a superpower—a sharp eye that can spot hidden sugars, just like Huoyan Jinjing (the “Fiery Eyes of Truth” from Chinese mythology). Chinese mythology).

■ A New Take on Afternoon Tea

I used to treat myself to rich milk tea and fluffy cakes as part of my afternoon routine.
But now, I no longer reach for those sweet indulgences.

Instead, hot water has become my go-to companion.
When I do feel like drinking something flavorful, I opt for a cup of fruit tea or herbal tea to refresh my mood.
As for cookies, my personal rule is simple: just one bite is enough.

■ Dining Out — Enjoyment and Control Can Coexist

Even when eating out, you can keep your sugar intake in check with just a few smart choices.
For example, I try to avoid dishes with sweet sauces—like sweet-and-sour pork or sweet stir-fries—and instead go for steamed dishes or simple sautéed vegetables.
As for drinks, I usually choose lemon water or barley tea.

This way, I can still enjoy delicious flavors without going overboard on sugar.
In fact, it leaves me feeling satisfied and guilt-free after the meal.

■ Low-Carb Living: Not a Restriction, but a Choice

Over time, low-carb living has shifted from something I “had to do” into something I naturally choose.
Even my taste preferences have gradually moved toward lighter, more subtle flavors.

Low-carb doesn’t mean cutting out sugar completely.
It’s about finding the right balance between what you want to eat and what your body needs for health.
It’s very much like how we balance efficiency and breathing room in our work.

There’s no need to overburden yourself with extreme discipline.
With just a little mindfulness, both your body and mind can feel lighter.
By reducing sugar, you can let go of the “sweet burden” and truly savor a life that feels good—inside and out.

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Date of Contribution: September 2025
Author:
Changzhou OPK Material Handling Equipment Co., Ltd.
General Affairs Department
Wang Yue