It is often said that nothing can be solved by a single hot pot—but if that’s not enough, then two will do just fine.

Spending time with family and friends enjoying hot pot has become an integral part of daily life, especially during the recent winter season. On chilly days, nothing beats gathering around a steaming hot pot—savoring each flavorful bite while warmth spreads through your entire body. It’s simply the ultimate way to stay cozy and refreshed!

However, although hot pot is delicious, many people overlook one important detail: when eating hot pot, should you start by cooking the meats or the vegetables first?

Many people believe that once the hot pot boils, they immediately add meats—whether it’s tender beef slices, tripe, or duck intestines—and dive right into enjoying them before moving on to vegetables. However, experts actually recommend starting with vegetables while eating hot pot.

While eating hot pot, most people typically do so on an empty stomach. However, if one starts with meaty dishes during the hot pot meal, the body will initially absorb energy primarily from fats and proteins. This can place additional strain on the digestive system and increase the risk of elevated blood lipid levels.

Therefore, when enjoying hot pot, it's important to maintain a variety of ingredients. You can start by eating vegetables to replenish your energy, followed by meats. Vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, and consuming them first during the hot pot meal provides a strong sense of fullness. This not only helps control portion sizes but also protects your stomach—and, to some extent, even saves you money.

However, be sure not to blanch the vegetables for too long, so as to preserve their nutrients and maintain their delightful texture.

Once the broth comes to a boil, the first vegetables to be added should be hearty grains such as sweet potatoes and potatoes, followed by baby cabbage and garland chrysanthemum greens.

Step two involves cooking mushrooms and soy products. Mushrooms are highly nutritious but require prolonged cooking; otherwise, they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Next, you can start eating meats—but there's also an order to follow: begin with fish and seafood, then move on to red meats. This is because seafood like fish and shrimp must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.