Stay healthy at every gathering with these simple steps
Things to do before the holidays (photo: Freepik)
It's always worth preparing in advance for celebrations. This helps avoid unnecessary stress on the body and enjoy the holiday without negative consequences. Here are a few things to do in advance, according to Eating Well.
Get enough sleep
The journal Sleep Medicine Reviews notes that sleep affects the body in both obvious and hidden ways. Lack of sleep impacts hormones that regulate appetite, making you hungrier and more likely to eat less healthy foods during celebrations.
Self-control over alcohol consumption also decreases.
Additionally, poor sleep can reduce insulin sensitivity on its own. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep before a big celebration to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Eat balanced meals throughout the day
Skipping meals earlier in the day can lead to overeating later and larger fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It's essential to eat regularly before a party, prioritizing foods rich in protein and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
One aspect to focus on is breakfast. Skipping breakfast can lower blood sugar, making you hungrier and more likely to overeat later in the day.
Start your day with a breakfast high in protein and fiber. A great option is oatmeal prepared with protein powder and topped with fruit.
Plan physical activity
According to Scientific Reports, regular exercise is important for controlling blood sugar levels.
Even a 10-minute walk after a meal can help lower blood sugar levels effectively. Consider planning a short walk after the celebration.
Alcohol
The American Diabetes Association reports that alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you are taking medication that lowers blood sugar.
If you plan to drink, it's helpful to make a plan in advance. The first step is to decide how much alcohol you will drink. A good limit is one drink for women and two for men.
Try to drink alcohol with food. Low-sugar alcoholic beverages, such as wine, may be a better choice.
Also, remember the importance of staying hydrated. It's best to alternate alcoholic drinks with sugar-free sparkling water, plain water, or water with a slice of lime.
Earlier, we revealed 7 foods that can easily replace magnesium supplements.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
