You can make a huge difference just by cutting out all of the ʻno goʼ items until Christmas Day, allowing yourself just one ʻcheatʼ day. ʻNo goʼ items include things like red meat, sugar, fatty foods, cigarettes, and alcohol.
Cut out red meat as much as possible – itʼs high in cholesterol and can lead to blood clotting and stroke. Also try to cut down on how much sugar you eat. Christmas tends to be a season for sweets, cakes, chocolates, and desserts and in excess, could lead to diabetes.
Salt is also a ʻno goʼ so lay off the chips, salted nuts and pretzels if you value unclogged arteries. Speaking of clogged arteries, itʼs not news that smoking is bad for you, but added to all the excess of the holiday season, itʼs downright dangerous. Rather than investing in a pack a day, save that spend for all of your Christmas shopping!
And speaking of saving, you can save both your liver and your waistline by reducing the amount of alcoholic drinks you take in at all of the parties and gatherings.
opt for healthier meals and take advantage of the smorgasbord of seasonal fruits that a South African summer brings, such as mangoes and watermelon. Try to eat more vegetables, beans and lentils, and you wonʼt feel so guilty after that one big lunch.
If you find it hard to socialise without a drink in your hand, try alternating with sparkling water or fruit juice, or else order a wine spritzer or beer shandy instead of the hard tack. It also helps to fill up on these healthier options before youʼre tempted by that passing platter of samoosas and sausage rolls.
Keeping your heart healthy this Christmas doesnʼt have to be about cutting everything out you just need to make a few healthier choices when it comes to excess and indulgence. Everything in moderation is definitely the key!
