It’s that time of the year again, you know, the coming big festival (or in some countries, series of festivals 😉 ). The good news is that it’s the perfect occasion to catch up with family and friends. Bad news, when it’s also the easiest to pile on the pounds where the common malady during this time of the year is an expanding waistline and some tummy troubles.

We discuss the negative consequences from overindulgence on those oh-so-enticing festive delicacies and as hard as it may seem, how to remain trim and fit.

What Is The Number One Mistake People Make During The Holidays Especially With Regards To Their Eating Habits?

The number one mistake people make during the festive season is obviously binge eating.

What Is A Common Misconception Regarding A Person’s Diet During The Holidays?

People always think that it’s alright to binge eat during the holidays or on vacation because it’s ‘once in a blue moon’. This is the type of behaviour that people tend to have. Then, they go back to their regular routine the day after or at the end of their vacation.

What Are The Potential Problems That People May Face If They Overindulge During The Holidays?

Binge eating or overindulging may result in indigestion, stomach aches, bloating, diarrhoea, uncontrolled blood glucose for those with diabetes, uncontrolled blood pressure and more.

Keeping Trim During The Holidays

• Eat more food that are high in fibre such as vegetables because these are lower in calories and fill you up easier. It also encourages healthy bowel movements which is very important in keeping a healthy lifestyle and also waistline.
• Reduce your intake of fried food due to its high calorie content. If possible, try air frying or baking to reduce your intake of oil.
• Control your food portions by using smaller plates so you’re less likely to pile on the food.
• Cut down on your intake of creamy food because these are usually high in fat and calorie content.
• Reduce intake of sugary food such as cakes and carbonated drinks especially if you are diabetic.
• It is advisable to cut down on your alcohol consumption due to its high calorie content which can increase the risk of obesity.
• Maintaining a healthy waistline also includes moderate exercises which should be done regularly, preferably three to five times a week, for 30 minutes each session.

Having a healthy holiday is important but so is having a happy one. It’s a time of celebration! It is perfectly fine to enjoy your favourite rendang, peanut cookies, kuih lapis or kuih Kapit baked by your favourite aunt or a glass of colourful soda. However, do take note of any of your dietary restrictions and always follow your doctor’s advice with regards to any medication and their possible interactions with food and drinks, especially alcohol.