December is arguably the most indulgent month of the year. Feasting is the name of the game – whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, or just love to throw yourself into the festive cheer. All of the socialising tends to mean eating more than you typically would, but there are ways to help you keep things on an even keel without having to swerve all the delicious treats.
Pharmacist and nutritionist Amil López lists her expert tips, below.
Five tips for festive feasting
A simple rule, but an easy one to forget! Chewing your food very slowly ensures that your stomach does not have to work excessively. This will help you avoid any uncomfortable bloating, and also aid your digestion throughout the day.
Her second tip is to mind how you mix your carbs. Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and quinoa are all delicious in moderation. Try to avoid eating them together in the same meal. This also goes for acidic foods such as tomato sauce, vinegar or very green or very ripe fruit. Your stomach will thank you later.
Chewing copious amounts of gum can increase gas, according to Lopez, as can drinking directly from the bottle or through a straw. The nutritionist also suggests that you treat soufflés, carbonated soft drinks and whipped cream with caution. Keep an eye on your stress levels, too. “Try to reduce as much as possible your level of stress or anxiety, which also favours unconscious air intake,” she adds.
Don’t underestimate the power of natural remedies. Medical-grade charcoal is rich in antioxidants, which help with bloating and reducing gas. Dandelion, fennel, anise, ginger, chamomile, green tea, liquorice, mint and mallow are also highly recommended for this time of year. “They will all help you to digest food more easily,” Lopez explains. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating, though, because many of these remedies can dilute the gastric juices. They’re best taken in between meals.
Last but not least: bone broth. Drink it before dinner for 15 days. You only need to do this twice a year, per Lopez. “It is a cleansing remedy that helps the kidney, gall bladder and liver, as well as helping to expel toxins, reduce abdominal swelling and fluid retention.”
