Christmas, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. With social events left, right and centre it’s no wonder why overindulging comes hand in hand with this time. The food is delicious, plentiful and you simply cannot say no to another glass of bubbly…and why would you want to?! You’ve worked hard this year and deserve to relax and enjoy the festivities. Below we have put together the most effective tips to prevent that holiday bulge without having to miss out on anything.
EAT BEFORE YOU GO OUT
With every Christmas party you go to you’re almost guaranteed to be fed. An easy way to ensure you don’t over-eat and make yourself sick is to eat before you go out. Have a light meal or snack at home. That way, you don’t arrive on an empty stomach, ready to devour whatever is in sight, and it effectively reduces the chances of overeating.
EAT CLEAN IN BETWEEN
Map out your social events and aim to eat well at all other times, ensuring you are having lots of fresh, wholefoods. Salads are great as they are not only a light meal but they give you a chance to support your digestion. Rocket is an excellent bitter green which helps stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid and helps digest our food and eliminate sluggishness.
CARRY SOME DIGESTIVE SUPPORT WITH YOU
We all do our best to eat clean and stay healthy throughout the year. Whether you avoid a certain food due to an intolerance, or simply feel better without it, these practices tend to go out the window around this time and that’s ok. You’re human. Support your digestion as best you can by carrying a little digestion survival kit in your handbag.
Digestive enzymes are a god send and provide you with pancreatic enzymes that are required to break down protein, fats and carbohydrates. You know that instant sense of feeling full? Like your food is just sitting in your stomach? That’s because it kind of is… Digestive enzymes really help get food moving along, and reduce bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain and sluggishness. We love Herbs of Gold Digest-Zymes. They are veggie based, and also contain gentian; a fantastic herb in stimulating hydrochloric acid which also assists in the digestive process.
CHOOSE YOUR POISON
We all know how easy it is to go overboard on the bubbles. We’ve all been there. Try swapping bubbles or beer for vodka, lime and soda. This will ensure sensitive bellies don’t react, sugar consumption is low, and you’re hydrated at the same time. Win win!
KEEP MOVING, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO STOP.
It’s the end of the year, you’re flat out, you’re tired, but do your best to maintain some sort of exercise regime. This can be as simple as a walk, 20 minutes of HIIT, yoga – it’s entirely up to you. Exercise not only boosts your metabolism but it aids with digestion by promoting blood flow. You’ll feel better physically and mentally.
Let’s keep it real, the holidays are for enjoying yourself and letting go a little so don’t forget to have guilt-free fun and you can do this in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling awful on the other end of it.
Wishing you all safe and restful holidays xxx
