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The holiday season is synonymous with delicious food, family gatherings, and… potential weight gain. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Dr. Verónica Ortega, a leading expert in health and well-being, shares her insights on how to enjoy the festive feasts without derailing your healthy lifestyle.
“Your goal is not a weight; your goal is not a pair of pants; your goal is a lifestyle,” Dr. Ortega emphasizes. “Your goal is to reach a certain age self-reliant,healthy,coherent,without being sick.” This means making smart choices every day, even during the holidays.
Smart Strategies for Holiday Meals
Dr. Ortega recommends starting the day with a light breakfast and lunch, avoiding fried foods and focusing on lean protein and vegetables. “Make sure you are very well hydrated that day,” she advises, “because we usually confuse thirst with hunger.” This will help prevent overeating later in the day.
When it comes to holiday gatherings, the key is moderation, not deprivation. “Don’t deprive yourself of two things that you like,” Dr. Ortega says. “Don’t see it as a sin. Don’t feel guilty, just modulate, moderate, and don’t overdo it.” She suggests sharing rich treats like donuts (“a single piece…shares the donut with someone”) and savoring smaller portions of various dishes to enjoy a variety of flavors.
Beware of Liquid Calories
A significant concern during the holidays is the frequently enough-overlooked impact of liquid calories.Dr. Ortega warns against excessive consumption of sugary drinks, particularly those containing alcohol. “When we add sugar or piloncillo,honey…and alcohol to punch,this becomes a bomb for the liver,” she explains. She recommends limiting sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, suggesting, “avoid adding alcohol and don’t drink more than one cup.”
“Let’s look for delicious food, but let it be food,” Dr. Ortega concludes.By focusing on mindful eating, portion control, and making conscious choices, you can enjoy the holiday season and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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Holiday Eating Made Healthy: An interview with Dr.Emily Carter
Sarah Jones, Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: Welcome, Dr.Carter, and thank you for joining us today to offer some insights on enjoying holiday feasts while staying healthy.
dr. Emily Carter, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist: Its my pleasure to be here, Sarah. The holiday season can be a challenging time for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it certainly doesn’t have to be a setback.
SJ: The article we’re discussing focuses on making smart choices for holiday eating. Can you elaborate on some key points?
EC: Absolutely. One crucial aspect is understanding that sustainability is key, not deprivation.Dr. Ortega eloquently states, “Your goal is not a weight; your goal is a lifestyle.” Making small, conscious choices every day, even during the holidays, can lead to long-term success.
SJ: The article mentions starting the day with lighter meals and emphasizing hydration. Why are these strategies important?
EC: You’ve hit on two essential points.Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast and lunch helps regulate hunger levels throughout the day. this can prevent overeating at holiday feasts. Also, staying well-hydrated is vital because thirst is often mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary calorie consumption.
SJ: What about during those holiday gatherings themselves? any specific tips for navigating all the flavorful temptations?
EC: Dr. Ortega’s advice on moderation resonates here. Enjoy a few of your favorite treats, but practice portion control. Sharing is caring! Splitting a slice of pie or enjoying smaller portions of multiple dishes allows you to savor the variety while limiting overindulgence.
SJ: Dr. Ortega highlighted the impact of liquid calories. How can individuals be mindful of this aspect during the holidays?
EC: Sugary drinks and alcohol can easily add notable calories.be mindful of how much you consume. Opt for water, unsweetened beverages, or moderate your alcohol intake. Remember, Dr. Ortega’s advice: “When we add sugar or piloncillo, honey…and alcohol to punch, this becomes a bomb for the liver”.
SJ: Dr. Carter, thank you so much for these valuable insights. You’ve provided some helpful tips for navigating the festive season with both enjoyment and mindful eating.
EC: It was a pleasure,Sarah. Remember, vacations are for enjoying quality time with loved ones. By making conscious choices, you can enjoy the festivities without jeopardizing your health.
