How to Avoid Overindulging During the Festive Season

Has your diary suddenly filled itself with various social occasions such as drinks with friends, work parties, school events, family dinners, plus a few "let’s-catch-up-before-the-end-of-the-year"gatherings? This can be a fun and busy time of year but it’s also a time when it is easy to overindulge in the eating and drinking department. So, here are a few tips to see you through to the new year without feeling worse for wear.

Water

Keep yourself well-hydrated during the warmer weather gives you more energy, prevents dehydration, gives your skin a lovely glow and helps flush out the kidneys. If your days are busy and constantly on the go, take a 750ml-1L size drink bottle of water around with you and keep topping it up. Alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water when you’re out socialising.

Choose Healthy 

If you have options, choose the healthiest menu items available such as salads, leafy greens, steamed vegetables, tofu, grilled fish or meat and fruit for dessert. Limit the amount of fried or fatty foods: your liver and waistline will thank you later. Also watch your portion sizes as it is easy to consume more than you need to, particularly when finger food is around.

B Vitamins

The liver requires adequate levels of vitamin B2, B3, B6, folate and B12 for detoxification. B vitamins are also essential to give you energy throughout the day and support your adrenals. Take a B complex tablet in the morning for an energy boost and if you have imbibed a little too much alcohol, take another before going to bed to reduce the ‘morning after’ symptoms. Try  Herbs of Gold B Complete or Fusion Stress B Multi Advanced.

Magnesium

Taking a teaspoon of a good quality magnesium powder in some water before bed may help support the nervous system, relax stiff and sore muscles and prevent dehydration that typically occurs after a big night out. We recommend Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium and Fusion Health Organic Magnesium Advanced, both available in powder and tablets.

Milk Thistle

Diets high in sugar and carbohydrates, along with excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to fatty liver disease. Milk thistle (also called St Mary’s Thistle or Silybum marianum) has many liver-protective qualities and facilitates detoxification via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. Support your liver health during the silly season with one of these: KiwiHerb Liver Cleanse, Thompsons Liver Cleanse, or Fusion Health Detox.

Digestive enzymes

If you find yourself prone to symptoms such as heartburn or bloating following a big meal, take a capsule of digestive enzymes before a main meal to help your body digest food more quickly. Reflux or heartburn can be caused by a full stomach placing pressure on the oesophageal sphincter, therefore helping the stomach empty more quickly can ease discomfort. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in ½ cup of water and drink 20 minutes before a main meal – the bitterness of the vinegar stimulates the digestive system.

And remember, if you’re still feeling tired and sluggish in the new year or can’t shift the weight gained over the festive season, come and see one of our lovely naturopaths at our community wellness clinic. We can provide you with individualised dietary advice and a personalised prescription that will help restore your energy and get you feeling better again.