Surviving the Festive Overindulgence of the Holidays

December 22, 2009

 It may be party season, but its also winter season here in Miami 

and all the late nights, overindulgence of rich food and alcohol, and early,

dark, cold mornings can combine to make you feel less than your best during this holiday season. Here are simple tips to keep you feeling healthy through this period.

 

v     Stay hydrated. Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have and you’ll thank yourself the morning after.

 

v     Eat Well. There’s often an array of tempting but calorie laden desserts at event/holiday parties. Indulge in a couple of these tasty treats, but make sure you also get your daily portions of fruit and vegetables.

 

v     Ditch the control pants on an evening when you know you’re going to be hitting puddings and sweets- the price of a slinky silhouette is a constricted abdomen, much akin to the effect of wearing a corset. Tuck your tummy under the table instead.

 

v     Swig down peppermint or fennel tea, which are both soothing for the digestion and stomach. Ginger is also a long standing digestive, although there is also some evidence that large quantities can be a gastric irritant.

 

v     If you want to go down the herbal medicine route, artichoke extract is recommended for encouraging your natural digestive enzymes to work more effectively and break down food more efficiently- take one table twice a day.

 

v     If you prefer pharmaceutical options, you have a choice. Antacids work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach- some also contain alginates, which help to stop the acid surging up; Proton pump inhibitors (available by prescription) stop you from actually producing acid, although they do have side effects. Consult your physician for proper medical advice.