It’s quite a challenge to munch our way through the holidays without buying a new pair of sweatpants for a little more comfort around the middle. Of course, the few extra pounds picked up from holiday parties will melt in the spring along with the icicles, right? Not if we don’t hold fast to smart food choices. Excessive celebrating with unhealthy foods can veer us off course, right into the “drive-through” lane.
There’s plenty of advice about diet and exercise this time of year. So, assuming we all know that working out burns more calories than couch surfing, and organic vegetables are healthier than fast food french fries, let’s fine tune the turkey tummy tips and kick it up a notch. Here are a few suggestions you might try this year to keep your “turkey tummy” from expanding into a “muffin top:”
Make Healthy Foods a Habit!
Our bodies are naturally acidic, which contributes to that heavy feeling in the gut after overeating. By focusing on alkaline foods, we can help our bodies digest animal proteins and eliminate the built-up waste in our colon. Fermented vegetables or sauerkraut consumed the day after an indulgent evening will relieve bloating. Once you make a habit of eating alkaline foods, you’ll be craving a tart green apple instead of a donut for a mid-morning snack.
Examples of alkaline vegetables are:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Beets
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peas
- Peppers
Alkaline fruits include:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Watermelon
- Berries
- Pears
- Cantaloupe
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Melons
- Oranges
- Lemons
Start with this list and see how many recipes using alkaline foods become your favorites.
Fight Fatigue with Hydration!
Dehydration can creep up on us when we’re not paying attention. Water is necessary for our mental clarity, decision-making capabilities, and coordination, as well as flushing out toxins. Mid-afternoon fatigue results in irresistible munching, and grabbing quick, pick-me-up foods that we think will make us feel sharp. The fact is, drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day is what will keep us feeling satiated and refreshed.
In a week or so you’ll get used to drinking that much water daily, and your body will thank you. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your water bottle to stave off sweet cravings. ACV is also a simple remedy for relief from heartburn.
Walk It Off!
“I hate running!” We understand! A 10-15 minute brisk walk twice a day will help keep the waistline slim. If you’re lucky enough to have a dog, let it walk you around the block. Your canine walking buddy won’t let you skip a day, unlike a friend who may back out because it’s too hot, too cold, or too windy. No need to pay for a gym membership when you have a furry personal trainer to motivate you. (And bending over to pick up doggie poo counts as touching your toes.) Your tail wagger will keep off those unwanted pounds, too.
You don’t need to dread ineffective yo-yo dieting results. Don’t worry that your little black dress might be a wee too snug. Just take deep breaths, party moderately, add healthy foods to your diet, drink lots of water, and enjoy the fall foliage and Christmas lights while they last. You can prevent turkey tummy before it takes on a life of its own!
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