Season of Celebration BY MARY ANN O’DELL, MS, RDN
’TIS THE SEASON FOR GIFT GIVING, celebrations, and food! From office parties to family gatherings, holiday feasts to New Year’s Eve, people pack a lot of celebration into this holiday season. And while gatherings may be smaller this year, celebrations will likely continue. With all of these gettogethers, it’s hard not to overindulge. People tend to eat and drink more around the holidays, then regret it afterwards. But you can take steps to avoid overindulgence and still enjoy all that each celebration has to offer. The number one rule for avoiding overindulgence? Don’t eat or drink in excess. Sounds simple…but for those who refuse this good advice, there are steps you can take to plan ahead and reduce the after-effects of overindulgence.
Akin’s
N-Acetyl Cysteine 600 mg Promotes heart, immune, and liver health.* Used by the body to make the antioxidant glutathione.* Helps protect the body against toxins.*
26
1. DRINK UP…THE WATER. If you plan on participating in holiday parties, drink plenty of water during the day. If you drink alcohol at a gathering, alternate with water. Staying hydrated is a critical step for alleviating the negative effects of too much alcohol.
2. STOCK THE “BEFORE & AFTER” KIT NOW. If you know you will be at parties with alcohol, consider a natural approach to protect your liver. Over-consumption of alcohol causes dehydration and damages the liver, among other things. In addition to drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the party, take N-acetyl-cysteine, which can help protect the liver and reduce the toxic effects of occasional alcohol consumption. A B-complex before and after is also a good idea, since excessive alcohol intake can deplete the body of water-soluble B vitamins.
3. EAT LIGHT & RIGHT. Those tasty little appetizers await you at the party! Plan ahead by eating light fruit, vegetable, and fiber-rich meals in the morning and afternoon. Consider taking a white kidney bean extract before you go. White kidney bean extract can help neutralize the negative effects of carbohydrates by inhibiting a portion of the body’s amylase enzyme, decreasing the digestion of starch-carbohydrate calories, including those from breads and sweets. At the party, enjoy smaller portions of high-fat, high-calorie foods, but fill your plate with lots of crudité vegetables and fruits…and enjoy!
December 2020
HE_DEC20_26-27_JS_Akins.indd 26
10/29/20 7:00 AM
