Body & Fitness

Holiday health

This is the time of year when all your good intentions about eating healthily and drinking in moderation go out the window as numerous social occasions prove very tempting. It is possible not to overindulge, here are some tips on how to survive those Christmas parties.

Eat before you go outFill up on healthy food so you’re not tempted to pig out on treats. Low-GI foods, such as bananas, apples, sushi or baked beans on whole-grain toast, will help you to feel full, as will foods high in protein, such as hard-boiled eggs, low-fat yoghurt or low-fat edam cheese. It’s also a good idea to eat before drinking alcohol, as having food in your stomach helps to slow the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Choose the healthy optionSadly a lot of party food is bad for you, but some hosts do serve up dishes that won’t blow your diet. Check out what’s on offer and work out what to avoid, rather than helping yourself to the first things you see. Avoid fatty, processed and sugary foods and fill up first on the good stuff, such as vegetables and whole grains. Leave a bit of space for a little something unhealthy – that way you won’t feel like you’ve deprived yourself, but you won’t overdo it because you’ll be full.

Step away from the snacksEven if you don’t normally snack, it’s hard not to succumb to the seasonal treats that are constantly on offer at this time of year. Dipping into bowls of chips or chocolates can be done out of habit, not hunger, and before you know it youhave consumed a lot of extra kilojoules.

If you can, don’t go near the snacks. If they’re put on the table in front of you, push them out of reach. If you are tempted, make sensible choices. A single handful of dried fruit and nuts (no more)is better for you than lollies or chips. If grapes or cherries are on offer, opt for them.

Pace your drinkingYes, this is easier said than done, but if you’re drinking much more than usual because of going to so many functions it pays to slow things down.

Get in the habit of having a non-alcoholic drink in between each glass of booze. Water is particularly good – it helps you to feel full and also eases the dehydrating effects alcohol has on the body, making the hangover less horrendous.

Choose your alcohol wisely Not all booze is equal. The darker your drink, the more likely it is to contain toxic substances called congeners, which are believed to be involved in causing hangovers. So give red wine, brandy and rum a miss and opt instead for white wine, vodka and gin.

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