Nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume shares tips on how to prevent overindulgence over any season.
With long lunches, office parties and happy hour defining the month of December, festive blowouts are inevitable, and it's easy to continue the overindulgence into the New Year, but let’s not beat ourselves up, says Nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume.
"There's no point feeling guilty about festive indulgences as that can lead to restriction and then binging again soon after. A vicious cycle we don't want to enter".
Likewise, if you think going on a “detox” after weeks of splurging will help undo the damage, think again. Truth is, there's no such thing as "detoxing". In medical terms, it's nonsense.
Instead, it’s a time we rethink our festive strategy. Keep these simple hacks in mind to help prevent things from getting out of hand and make yourself feel better in the New Year.
Get off to a good start. For most of us, breakfast is in our control. It's easy to skip this important meal. Opt for whole grains, such as rolled oats with yoghurt and fruit or poached eggs on whole grain toast. A high-fibre breakfast coupled with protein can help keep your appetite in check.
Never arrive hungry. Nothing looks better than a tray full of canapés on an empty stomach, so have a snack beforehand and you’ll be less likely to overdo it. As with meals, choose snacks that contain protein, a key ingredient to help you feel less hungry. An Uncle Tobys Protein muesli bar contains 7 grams of protein, combined with the goodness of oats and is perfect to have stashed in your tote when the tummy rumbles strike, as part of a healthy varied diet.
Keep up with regular movement. This is a crucial habit to not let slip on most days of the week, even if it’s coaxing the family to take a quick walk around the block after dinner. Staying active can help with stress levels, mood and overall health, and counteract some of the excesses.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Those next morning headaches are partially due to dehydration. To avoid this, ensure you are drinking plenty of plain water throughout the day, and for every alcoholic drink, have one glass of water.
So if you're looking to a healthy start to the New Year, these simple health hacks will help you get smart when making healthy choices.
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