Navigating Holiday Feasting: A Balanced Approach for Health and Enjoyment
Meet my husband, David, the ultimate “feaster.” While he revels in indulging, the challenge lies in mastering the art of balance—what I fondly refer to as the “law of food averaging” over a two-day period. This Christmas, let’s explore practical strategies to avoid health setbacks by envisioning every two days as a set of scales.
Picture antique balance scales, teetering under the weight of excess consumption. If one day is a feast, the next should be about rebalancing, proactively reducing intake. The key is moderation, ensuring the reduction is less than your typical intake, not just less than the feast day’s excess.
Imagine a lavish Christmas lunch—turkey, roast veggies, and decadent desserts. While not inherently unhealthy, the sheer volume exceeds our energy needs. Applying the law of food averaging, skip dinner post-feast or opt for a light salad and protein the next day. This way, we achieve a more reasonable calorie intake over the two-day period.
Amidst Christmas parties with alcohol and less nutritious snacks, it’s crucial not to equate these gatherings with dinner. Eat before you go—leftovers or a quick yogurt and banana can be game-changers. For those who enjoy imbibing, set limits on alcohol intake, with moderation being key. Contributing a healthy platter to the event ensures there’s a nutritious option for everyone.
In Australia, our drinking culture is deeply ingrained, but moderation is the key to a healthier approach. Define your limits before going out, aiming for 2 standard drinks (120ml each) for women and 3 for men, interspersed with water. Eating before drinking slows alcohol absorption, reducing after-effects. If you find yourself overindulging, a Gatorade before bed can aid hydration and replenish lost electrolytes.
Amidst the festivities, the goal is to spend quality time with loved ones and recharge for the coming year. Health-wise, aim for maintenance—keeping your health on par or even better on February 1st, 2024, compared to the start of the holiday season on December 1st.