The end of December and the beginning of the year means a little more food than usual. How do you eat between two big meals so you don’t end up regretting it? Alexandra Murcier gives us wise advice.
Do you really need to go on a so-called “diet” from Christmas to New Year in order to lose weight and “deal” with the excesses of the end of the year? This practice is not easy. Between the presence of friends and family, holidays and temptations, it can be difficult not to collapse. But Alexandra Murcier, nutritionist and member of our expert panel, thinks it’s easier: avoid certain food categories without giving up.
These 3 foods should be avoided during the holidays
In other words, ideally, you should not overindulge during the holidays, but rather eat more simply and to your heart’s content. Our experts list three types of foods in particular to avoid:
Alcohol to protect your liver
“If possible, avoid alcohol between celebrations. It’s very helpful to make your liver easier on itself, as it helps it break down alcohol.”
Sweets and cakes are high in calories
And, if possible, you should reduce as much as possible foods with high glycemic index, such as sweets, chocolate and cakes. “They are energy dense (provide many calories relative to their volume) and have a strong effect on blood sugar levels, making us hungry and craving sugar,” the expert reminds.
Foods that are too fatty do not promote digestion
Finally, you can also reduce your intake of fatty foods to limit your energy intake and promote digestion. “This applies to creams, sauces, cheeses, butter, etc.”
It’s a matter of flexibility, not restrictions
Alexandra Murcier offers the following tips as a guide to feeling good during the holidays: “Foods that put a lot of strain on the liver, which is already under a lot of stress, and foods that are too fatty and promote weight gain and are not well digested should especially be avoided. You will already feel a little nauseous from the day before,” she emphasizes.
As for the portions, our expert advises you to be careful, without denying yourself or following strict rules. “Remember, there are no foods that are off-limits, and it’s better to eat in moderation and enjoy them than to completely restrict yourself and overindulge on December 31st.” So, listen to yourself, but be a little flexible.
