Finding joy beyond food: Crucial nutrition tips for holidays
New Year holidays almost always involve feasting, overeating, and the potential for weight gain or stomach issues afterward. The best approach is to approach the feasting with mindfulness, explains nutritionist Yuliia Koval on Instagram.
Here's how to eat during the holidays to avoid problems:
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Don't go on a diet or starve. Many people believe that they need to lose weight and quickly get in shape before the New Year. They often choose restrictive diets that promise quick results. However, this category of people is likely to overeat during the holidays and regain the lost weight and more.
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Carefully plan your festive menu. Include dishes that you want and desire. There's nothing wrong with that. But don't forget about light vegetable salads to maintain balance. Also, try to cook portions for a "single serving." This will prevent overeating the next day.
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Maintain a regular breakfast and lunch on the eve of the festive dinner. Skipping meals can lead to overeating. Never deprive yourself of food on the eve of a feast. Being hungry in the company of appetizing and diverse dishes can lead to overindulgence.
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Don't panic. Nothing serious will happen to your body in 1-2 days. People typically gain 1-2 kg during the New Year holidays. The crucial thing is not to go on "cleansing" days or fasting in the following days but to continue eating in a normal, healthy manner. The extra weight will naturally disappear.
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Substitute ingredients with healthier alternatives:
If you still crave traditional ingredients, leave them as they are. Remember that in a few days, nothing drastic will happen.
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Meat for sausages
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Mayonnaise for yogurt
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Maintain a minimum level of activity during the holidays. Remember the rule of a "healthy plate." At least for one meal a day, include intervals between meals, vegetables, and greens in your diet. Also, engage in some minimal physical activity.
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Food is not the only source of positive emotions during the holidays. Don't forget about conversations at the table, move around, play interesting games – these should also be essential parts of the celebration. There's no need to sit at the table and eat as if it's the last time you'll see that food.
Earlier, we shared some tips on losing weight if you are over 50.
