A Christmas without excesses
Between family gatherings, business dinners or parties with friends, it is hard to imagine a Christmas without a table and plenty.
At this time of year, our routine changes and we neglect not only our diet. Sleep and exercise are reduced or abandoned and alcohol consumption increases. The result? Weight gain, cholesterol and glucose levels skyrocket… Sometimes, it is difficult to stay in shape and follow a balanced diet, but if we follow a few simple guidelines and are moderate, we can avoid digestive problems and gaining a few extra pounds.
Don't skip meals . Some people prefer to fast during the day to compensate for the excesses of dinner. However, the only thing we will do is increase our appetite and make our body much more efficient at saving energy and therefore, storing fat. The key is to incorporate low-fat foods, rich in fiber and water. In the days leading up to the meal, we can prepare satiating and cleansing menus with vegetables such as leek or artichoke and fruits such as apple and pineapple.
Be careful with salt . It enhances the flavour of dishes, but too much of it is also harmful to our health. Its consumption can increase blood pressure and fluid retention. There are other alternatives for seasoning food without sacrificing flavour, such as fresh pepper, oriental spices and citrus fruits such as lemon.
Rest . Going to bed immediately after dinner is not good for our health and even less for our body. We can have dinner earlier to avoid the rush and stress of the holidays and it is very important to chew our food thoroughly. We should also prolong after-dinner conversations. Christmas is the ideal time to get the whole family together. Let's enjoy their company.
Infusions or teas . Heavy meals, sweets and alcoholic beverages. Eating heavy foods and overeating makes digestion difficult or causes stomach pain. Tea or medicinal plants are very helpful when it comes to cleansing our body. Among the most notable are dandelion, which helps cleanse the liver, and green tea, which is an antioxidant and acts as a diuretic, helping to cleanse the kidneys.
Don't abuse alcohol . Enjoying parties in a healthy way doesn't mean abstaining from alcoholic beverages. First of all, we should consume them on a full stomach, thus slowing down their absorption. We also have to be careful with mixed drinks, especially if they are mixed with fizzy drinks. The carbonic acids in soft drinks encourage the passage of alcohol into the blood, accentuating its toxic effect. On the other hand, if we have drunk too much and there is no solution, the best remedy to counteract the unwanted effects is to sleep well, take a shower after getting up to stimulate circulation and eat foods rich in vitamins B and C, this will help us eliminate toxins. Drinking plenty of water is essential to hydrate ourselves properly.
Be careful with sweets . Limit the amount of nougat, chocolates and other sweets typical of these holidays. Sugar triggers the glycation process, responsible for cell wear and premature aging. Only good eating habits ensure healthy, wrinkle-free skin. Ideally, eat fruit or a natural sorbet to aid digestion.
Exercise . Sport counteracts the negative effects of these holidays, associated with inactivity and overeating, and will prevent us from regretting those extra kilos. Make the most of your free time by going for a walk with the family, going for a run or riding a bike.
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