The holidays should be about friends, family,
and a healthy portion of pumpkin
pie, not guilt
over gaining weight. Dr. Grigory Sadkhin, weight loss expert and
founder of The Sadkhin Complex, shared with us a few ways
to go from Thanksgiving through New Years without gaining a pound
(or a guilty conscience).
A - Alcohol
It may be the social lubricant of choice for awkward family or work
events, but alcohol is rich in sugar and carbohydrates. Skip sweet cocktails and go for champagne, dry
wine, or drinks straight up.
photo credit: kkgas/iStock
Instead of buying a cinnamon roll on the way to work, wait until 11 a.m. to eat a healthier alternative (like an apple). According to Dr. Sadkhin, this is when your body is first able to digest properly.
C - Chew Slowly
When you’ve got a table full of delicious (but rich) foods, ward off overeating and aid digestion by taking smaller bites of food and chewing slowly. Try to chew 25 to 30 times before swallowing.
D - The Day After
So you ate a few too many helpings of stuffing or knocked back more cups of eggnog than you planned — don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. The next day, try to eat your first meal as late as possible (wait until noon, at the earliest) so that your digestive system has time to recover from your holiday feast.
E - Exercise
While exercise is important year round, during the holiday it’s best to do it in the morning so that you won’t feel hungry at night. If your busy schedule won’t allow for a morning run, opt for a static activity in the evening, like yoga or pilates.
F - Fasting
Avoid overeating by fasting the day of a big event. This will help cleanse your system and curb hunger, but it doesn’t mean go hungry; you can drink as much water, seltzer, and tea as you need, and should eat a small snack before heading out. G - Go Organic
Skip cranberry sauce from the can and go for the fresh and organic alternative. “Use as few canned products as possible,” urges Dr. Sadkhin. If you’re hosting an event, make sure that your turkey or chicken is free-range.
H - Honey
Resist the urge to dump sugar in your coffee or tea and go with honey instead. Not only is it easier to digest, but honey also goes perfectly with apple pie and roasted pears. “I love honey,” declares Dr. Sadkhin. “It will help you feel satisfied for longer.”
I - Interrupt Yourself
Whether it’s a bathroom trip or a lip-gloss touch-up break taking a breather from eating will help your body digest better and make you feel full sooner.
J - Joke Around
“Joke, talk and laugh more during food intake,” suggests Dr. Sadkhin. “Happy conversations during dinner will get you eating less but feeling just as satisfied."
Curious about the rest of our alphabet of
holiday beauty and health? Keep Reading.
Or maybe you have tips of your own to
share.
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