CONTENTS WELL-BEING BENEFITS | 22 boozy beverages during this time can also wreak havoc with your weight, appetite and energy levels. This is because alcohol is not only high in kilojoules but also negatively affects blood sugar and can lower your inhibitions around food. It therefore becomes harder to resist reaching for the snack bowl or a second helping after enjoying a tipple or two. MAINTAINING MODERATION “There are a number of ways to maintain balanced eating and drinking habits during the holiday festivities,” asserts Estée. "Things like drinking sufficient water, opting for smart snacks, eating a healthy breakfast each morning, and enjoy a healthy meal or snack before attending a social function,” recommends Estée. “It really is all about maintaining balance,” asserts Estie, "and keeping exercise as part of your holiday routine." GETTING BACK ON TRACK So, you have gorged yourself on food and drink but now wonder how to recover from your moment of immoderation? “Most importantly, don’t fall into the trap of waiting for Monday, or next week or after the holiday to start eating and drinking healthily again,” warns Estée. “Start immediately!” It is important to remember that a few moments of overindulgence cannot irrevocably derail a balanced lifestyle and enjoying life’s pleasures is part of healthy living. So, instead of being hard on yourself, simply resume healthier habits as soon as possible. Adopting this more measured approach to the merriment will not only allow you to enjoy a healthier and happier holiday season but also ensure that you step into the New Year looking and feeling your best. Sources: Estée van Lingen- Registered Dietitian / www.self.com / www.columbiasurgery.org / www.healthline.com LOVE YOUR LIVER The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and it produces bile, a substance that aids in digesting fats and processing of waste. Whilst it boasts multiple functions, this organ is primarily responsible for the filtration and removal of waste products and toxic substances from the bloodstream and the maintenance of blood sugar levels. However, taking in too much food and alcohol may put excessive strain on the liver, potentially leading to more serious health conditions over time. These include: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and Cirrhosis. Support your liver by regularly eating a balanced, healthy diet and limiting your drinking of alcohol. Also, be sure to load your plate with cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage), lemon, beetroot, eggs and turmeric, as these all contain compounds that aid liver function. You can also invest in a supplement like Essentiale®, Vital® Liver Health, Dis‑Chem Gold Liver Protect or Healthy Living Liversential to promote liver healthy and optimum functionality.
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