Holiday Eating Strategies (Audio)
Tis the season to toss sensible eating habits out the window. For many of us, the sugary, salty and or fried tasty holiday treats and hors d'oeuvres are just too good to pass up. The big concern? is that getting back on the right eating track after a holiday binge may not be as easy as you think.
"But the problem is, it opens up the door because they they think, oh well, I did it last
time, maybe I can keep doing it and it becomes a daily trend for them," according to Meridian Health Internal Medicine Doctor Ladi Ilkhani of Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township, N.J.
She said the initial good feeling you get when eating sugar and starch can be addictive.
"In the the beginning you know, that sugar gives us a rush but then in the long run it does cause issues as far as trying to lose the weight," said Ilkhani.
Also, it's no secret that the habitual eating of high calorie, sugary, starchy, fried goodies and beverages will help add the pounds that can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even acid reflux... yes, the dreaded heartburn.
"As the holidays come around we do tend to eat a bit later and maybe having a drink or two and eating foods that they're not used to eating like that, triggers the acid in the body." Ilkahni explained.
While there are lots of over-the-counter medicines that can help ease the burn. Ilkahni said it only masks the reflux. It doesn't actually get rid of it.
Ilkahni offers strategies that won't throw a wet blanket on your holiday eating enjoyment. She suggest eating in moderation at holiday parties.
"Don't take in a full course at one time. It's better to break it up and try to enjoy a few things at every meal instead of one huge course," she said.
She also suggest adding some healthy options to the mix.
"And at the same time, if you're gonna for example, have something that's not the healthiest ... maybe counteract it with some fruit or some vegetables.... I think, adding some natural food like apples and the typical fruits and salads may at least help us burn some of the excess fat that we may be taking in this holiday season," Ilkahni adds.
Also, never underestimate the power of water. It not only hydrates you when you're going to these parties but water also has a good way of cleansing the palate and cleansing the body, said Ilkahni.
"So at least while you eat some of these foods, like the delicious fried appetizers. At least the water will be able to help to counteract and maybe help cleanse the body a little bit faster," she adds.
So there you have it. If you're going to a holiday party ... eat small portions, add some fruit and veggies and drink plenty of water.