By Paula Wang, Pharmacist
Christmas is a time of fun and excitement but also a time of overindulgence. According to research, weight added on during the holidays may not be easily lost afterwards; in fact, it often becomes permanent. While relaxing and enjoying yourself are important, here are some tips to help you stay healthy amid the festivities.
- Alcohol consumption (due to more socializing and more availability)
- Alternate alcohol drinks with soft drinks or water.
- Eat before drinking and limit salty snacks.
- Save alcohol drinks for later in the day.
- Do not feel obligated to attend every invitation or be the last to leave.
- Choose offers of free drinks wisely.
- Choose to be the designated driver and have only non-alcoholic drinks.
- Stay hydrated.
- Add more mix to make your drink last longer.
- Try non-alcoholic beers and wine.
- Choose drinks with lower levels of alcohol.
- Drink slowly, at your own pace and avoid doing rounds.
- For those with diabetes, alcohol consumption may mask signs of hypoglycemia (e.g. light-headedness, disorientation) or cause hypoglycemia in those taking sulfonylureas (e.g. gliclazide) or insulin. Please keep an eye on your blood sugar and take a glucose tablet or juice if it drops too low!
- Stay active. Choose activities that get you up and moving rather than sitting. Going for walks and playing outside are healthy alternatives to watching holiday movies.
- Enjoy all the special holiday treats but don’t overindulge. Wait 20 minutes before having second helpings.
- Remember to include healthy foods. Substitute fruit for higher calorie snacks and start the day with a healthy breakfast.
- Guard your mental health. Do something for someone else throughout the festive season. Acts of kindness benefit not only the recipient but the giver too.
- Be careful! Accidents tend to happen more frequently during the holidays.
- Limit candle use
- Supervise children closely and give age-appropriate presents.
- Turn off Christmas lights at bedtime.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat thoroughly.
Enjoy a physically and mentally healthy Christmas!
