It’s the season to be merry and celebrate the new year. Are you looking forward for the celebrations with your loved ones? Am sure you are but is your body looking forward for the chaos of late night bingeing, excessive alcohol consumption and irregular sleep cycles? Keeping a check on your health is difficult while attending back to back weddings, parties and functions. However some simple tips can help.
Partying, drinking, over-eating and indulging in some of your favourite foods is inevitable during the festive season, but don’t let your health suffer. Change is not easy, it needs a lot of effort. That means that it’s often easier for us to continue to do what we’re doing even if it’s unhealthy or makes us feel worse. One way to maintain your health and fitness goals is to find the right motivation and support. Finding too much information online can sometimes get you overwhelmed. Here are some top tips to help you look and feel great without worrying you’re missing out on all the fun.
1. Extra Calories Try to keep your calorie intake at normal levels. Instead of bingeing on junk food, choose healthy dips and salads at parties. You can also have a light meal at home before stepping out for a party.
2. Commit to stay fit A little exercise is better than nothing, try to go for a short walk or jog if gyming looks difficult.
3. Diet plan It is difficult to resist festive treats, hence it is advisable to incorporate healthy snacks like curd based dips and baked dishes in your diet during day time. Combine this with a revised but realistic exercise plan for the new year.
4. Calorie check Curb the dessert pangs with options that are low in calories but big on flavours such as low calorie desserts. Replace sugar in sweets with jaggery, honey or dates.
5. Drinks Always eat well before you start having alcohol, as alcohol makes you more hungry and more likely to indulge. Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water or non-alcoholic drink. Avoid binge-drinking, stick to the recommended daily alcohol allowance (men 3-4 units, women 2-3)
6. Stay safe Alcohol can make you feel overly-confident and you could ultimately take more risks – know your limits. Always nominate a driver if you’re going to be indulging, and make sure you leave sufficient time before you next get in a car to drive.
7. Stay hydrated Drink enough water which will help flush out the toxins from your body.
8. Small serving size Take small portions of dishes to avoid over-eating and also satisfy your taste buds.
9. Say No to carbonated drinks Try to avoid sugary mixers such as soft drink sodas, tonic water, canned juices rather opt for fresh juices and shakes.
Within a month of new years, the crowded gym will be back to normal, and the conversation on weight loss will diminish. Studies suggest that almost three-quarters of people who set fitness goals as New Year’s resolutions abandon them. Stay focussed on your health goals and then nothing will be impossible.
Here’s wishing you all a very Happy New Year from the entire team of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Do follow these health tips to be healthy and safe this new years. Looking forward for a healthy and nourishing 2018!
