- Eat a balanced diet New Year’s Eve. Make sure you eat regular meals and snacks in order to satiate your appetite prior to any party where you’d be tempted to indulge in less-than-healthy alternatives. Some feel it is wiser starve themselves earlier in the day and indulge at night. unfortunately, those people can expect some major GI upset, and, because the high probability of alcohol consumption, an increasing GI intolerance as the night progresses…
- Get active New Year’s Eve. Get in a minimum of 30minutes of exercise. Staying up later to watch the ball drop is sure to result in a late start on New Year’s Day and a reduction in your drive to hit an afternoon workout. Get a jump start on your fitness goals for the New Year today.
- At your New Year’s Eve party, offer to bring a healthy dish that can serve as a “go-to” if your other options turn out to be less-than-desirable.
- If you consume alcohol, drink a 6-8oz glass of water between drinks. Yes, you will have to visit the restroom more often, but New Year’s Day will be a MUCH more pleasant, I can promise you.
- Cut down on the sugary beverages. Want to indulge on New Year’s Eve with your favorite beverages? Great, do it! But limit that to 1-2 drinks. This will be much easier on your GI system and can cut down as much as 30% of calories you’ll consume before you head home. Instead of over-indulging on your favorite cocktails, savor the 1-2 you choose and take time to enjoy them.
- Cut down on the salty nut snacks. As our clients know, Sigma is an advocate of the fat found in almonds, pecans, and peanuts, but staying away from these on New Year’s Eve can benefit you immensely on New Year’s Day. Salty and high fat snacks can lead to a sense of thirst which will have impacts on your desire to over-indulge in your favorite New Year’s Eve beverages…
- One last point… wine and vodka are the easiest on the liver…
Above all, be safe, be healthy, and remember that all things are best in moderation (as cliche’ as it sounds).
-Katie Rhodes RD, LD / Director of Nutrition