Being Irish we tend to take the festive season to a totally new and wonderful level; however often it tends to be in the form of too much eating and definitely drinking! With this in mind below are my top tips for surviving the season without feeling on the 4th of January that you have a stone to lose.
If going to a drinks party eat a meal before you leave the house hence ensuring you are not reliant on canapés for filling you up. Canapés, although are often tasty, can be laced with calories and are best kept to a total minimum, if you arrive at the party having eating there is a great chance of you staying away from these calorie feasts.
We all love a few special treats in the form of a mince pie or plum pudding however if you plan to have a post dinner treat step away from the roast potatoes and bread from the previous courses. Its fine to have something sweet however important to cut back on the other forms of carbohydrates.
Compensate your body for the rich food by a lovely refreshing bowl of fruit salad at breakfast with some natural yogurt and seeds on top. The fruit provide 1-2 of your ten a day supporting your nutrient requirements and the yogurt will support your immunity and keep your gut in balance.
With regards to alcohol consumption keep this in check and remember that each glass of wine or beer is nearly equivalent to bar of chocolate. Balance your intake with the constant drinking of a refreshing glass of water and endeavour to have one glass of wine/beer to one of water.
Try to break up the revelry where possible and on the nights your at home relaxing in front of the fire give your body a rest from the rich food and wine. Consider a nice homemade casserole full of vegetables, herbs and culinary delights like garlic and ginger or possibly a lovely piece of fish grilled with some tasty roasted vegetables. Pukka do a lovely range of teas like cleanse, detox, three ginger and three mint which will support your body through this fun and joyful season.
Most importantly however is to enjoy yourselves and I wish everyone a joyful and happy Christmas and New Year!
By Andrea Murray of Total Nutrition, BSc (Hons) Nutrition Therapy
