Staying well through the season of excess

Food… alcohol… more food… ‘tis the season of excess and it’s time to let down your hair, indulge and RELAX.

Unfortunately, this is also the season of mishaps, accidents and potential fatalities. According to Statistics South Africa, “Holiday periods often see a surge in road accidents due to various factors such as increased traffic volumes, alcohol consumption, fatigue, and adverse weather conditions.”

So, while you can gear down and shake off the year that was, let’s delve into a few ways you can stay healthy and safe this season.

Manage your medication

If you’re on chronic medication, take extra care when it comes to alcohol. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can lead to serious side effects or reduce the effectiveness of your treatment. At the same time, make sure you’re not so caught up in the merriment and festivities that you forget to take your medication!

Indulge – smartly

It’s the season for tasty food, and there’s plenty of it at functions, events and gatherings. But those meals (and snacks) can quickly add up, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic, and it may trigger weight gain, undoing any weight loss goals you’ve accomplished during the year. Do your best to balance out heavy meals with lighter options. For example, if you have a three-course lunch planned, go easy on dinner with something simple like soup or salad. Aim to prepare meals with as many whole foods and as few additives as possible.

Think outside the (food) box

Socialising doesn’t always have to centre around big meals. Take advantage of the good weather during the festive season and spend time outdoors. Getting in some regular activity will help you balance the food festivities.

Portion control is important

If you’re constantly serving up meals on big plates, your body may naturally start to gravitate to more food, even when you’ve had enough. Get clever with portion control, by dishing up into smaller plates and using shorter glasses for soft drinks or alcohol. A smart way to control portion sizes!

Keep up with your vitamin intake

Alcohol can quickly drain your body’s B vitamins, as they play a key role in processing alcohol. To help restore these essential nutrients, consider taking a B-complex supplement before a social event or big dinner and again before bedtime. B vitamins also support energy conversion from food, so a B-complex supplement can give your energy levels a boost, which is especially helpful during the busy holiday season.

Try the one-for-one rule

Alternate each festive treat or cocktail with something healthy, like a glass of water, a handful of nuts, or some vegetables. This is a practical way to stay hydrated, get in much-needed vitamins and minerals, and prevent overindulgence on heavy foods. You could also get creative and whip up fancy mocktails – all the fancy fun without the heavy alcohol.

Plan a post-holiday self-care day

It sounds contrary, but we often need a post-holiday day to recover from the holidays! Set aside a day after the family and friends have departed, and before you’re due to head back to work. Make this a YOU day. Drink plenty of water, go for a long walk, sleep in, read a book; generally, focus on self-care for the day. It’s a great way to reset and give your body a break.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.