Complete nutrition for positive living

Surviving the festive season

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Over Indulgent Weekend? With the festive season looming even the best of us can over indulge! Here’s my 7 Tips to lighten the blow and reset your mind body and soul.

  1. Fuel up

    Eating a well-balanced meal before you start drinking (not a bag of crisps) reduces the amount of acetaldehyde in your system. Acetaldehyde (a close relative of formaldehyde) is the highly toxic chemical alcohol converts into once you’ve consumed it 1 (and is largely responsible for the crushing hangover) 2, 3, so fuel up before you hit the town as it may be partly responsible for many hangover symptoms.

  2. Rehydrate – Drink water!

    Hopefully this goes without saying?! For bonus points, make your last drink at the bar a water! Drink more before bed and keep drinking the next day, you get the idea ????. Alcohol is a diuretic, increasing frequency of urination, it can therefore dehydrate you 4.

  3. Hangover support

    Hangovers may not just be due to alcohol; your blood sugar 5, 6, could be out of balance. Try adding a source of protein with every meal. Protein rich foods provide a “slow release” source of sugar, releasing the sugar steadily avoiding the peaks and troughs of poor blood sugar regulation found with white processed sugary foods.
    Try my healthy version of a fry up for breakfast; poached eggs, mushrooms, spinach and avocado on gluten free toast.

    Here’s some go to supplemental support to try:
    • I personally swear by milk thistle complex drops by A.Vogel supports detoxification of your liver!
    • If it doesn’t work for you, try a Chromium supplement – to help balance your blood sugar levels.

  4. Keep the sugar cravings at bay

    The previous step should have given you a head start, spend some time planning some healthy meals for the week ahead. Go for some healthier snacks; make yourself a power smoothie; crudités and hummus, dark chocolate, avocado and a boiled egg on toast, nuts and fruit, remember to include a good source of protein.

  5. Rest

    Most of us feel like eating a lot more when we’re tired. Be kind to yourself, have a rest day if you can. Do some gentle yoga or if you have young children get some fresh air and blow the cobwebs away!

  6. Extra detox support for your body

    Evidence suggests that many hangover symptoms are caused by low-grade inflammation 7, 8.

    Try a Pau D’arco (high in antioxidants) or a Pukka detox tea, may support the liver and excretion of metabolites.

    A good quality Omega 3 supplement may reduce inflammation and a natural probiotic like kombucha to help balance your bowel flora.

  7. Nurture – Be kind to yourself!

    Research has shown that alcohol and sugar may contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Remember your body is good at detoxing itself and with a little extra support it doesn’t take long to get back online.

    Just by doing something positive, you’ll be feeling better. Don’t give yourself a hard time for all the fun you had, pick yourself up and get on!

    Look after your skin I rehydrate mine with some lovely skincare products and oils from Rio Health, have an Epson salt bath and rebalance the minerals in your body and sooth those aching muscles. Practice some positive self-talk “I am good enough” “I am healthy”, research has shown that just improving your mindset will help you to feel better.