Surviving Holiday Feasts Without Overindulgence

Holiday meals often present a spread of dishes beyond what our stomachs can handle. The variety and abundance can test our self-control.

However, we have the power to decide what's right for us and how much to eat. It’s a yearly challenge, but certainly possible to manage.

Enjoying holiday meals is important without harming our digestive system and overall health.

1. Don’t arrive hungry. Starting a meal ravenous leads to overeating. Have a light meal beforehand to keep calm.

2. Eat slowly and savor your food. Put your fork down occasionally, which helps you eat at a more leisurely pace. This supports your stomach and overall digestion with the hefty task at hand.

3. Sugary and fizzy drinks add unnecessary calories and hinder digestion. Drink water before the meal and not during, so you feel full without diluting digestive juices. Drink at least half an hour after eating.

4. Opt for baking or cooking over frying. Frying triples the calorie count and creates free radicals, which are toxins.

5. With diverse meals, plan ahead. Choose lean proteins like chicken or fish over carbs such as rice or pasta. Pick one favorite protein dish, add different cooked vegetables, and fresh salads.

6. You don’t have to eat until you’re completely stuffed—where you can’t fit in anything more. A sense of fullness usually arrives about half an hour after finishing a meal. If you overindulge, get back on track without guilt.

7. If dessert is important (and who doesn't think so?), don't skip during the holidays. Pick one special and delightful option—and that's enough.

It's okay to enjoy and even indulge during holiday meals. Problems arise when the celebratory eating extends into the week.

Plan the quantities needed, and if there are leftovers, share them with everyone.

The choice is ours. With a little forethought and planning, we can navigate the holidays seamlessly, b'ezrat Hashem.

Zohara Shavit is a certified naturopath N.D. and iridologist with many years of experience in treatment, consulting, and leading workshops. To schedule a free workshop, call 073-2221290.