24/12/2024
Here’s a series of 5 Nutrition Dos and Don’ts for the Christmas Season:
1️⃣ Do Balance Your Plate: Fill half your plate with vegetables or salads (without heavy dressings), one-quarter with protein (ham, turkey, or fish), and one-quarter with starchy sides like pastelle, festive rice, or freshly baked hops.
2️⃣ Don’t Skip the Veggies: Don’t fill your plate with just carbs and meats—vegetables are non-negotiable for a balanced meal!
3️⃣ Do Practice Portion Control: Enjoy your favourite Christmas dishes, but keep portions in check. Think one pastelle, not three; or one hops and ham, not two!
4️⃣ Don’t Go Overboard on Beverages: Limit sugary drinks and alcohol, including ponche de crème—they add up quickly in calories and sugar. Opt for water or lightly sweetened sorrel or ginger beer.
5️⃣ Do Eat Mindfully: Slow down and savour each bite. Eating too quickly can lead to overconsumption before your body realizes it’s full
6️⃣ Don’t Pile on Everything at Once: Try a small sampling of dishes instead of overloading your plate. There’s no harm in saving some for later!
7️⃣ Do Stay Hydrated: Drink water between meals and alcoholic beverages. Hydration helps with digestion and keeps you from mistaking thirst for hunger.
8️⃣ Don’t Eat Until You’re Stuffed: Stop when you feel satisfied, not uncomfortably full. It’s okay to save room for dessert!
9️⃣ Do Go Easy on the Extras: If you’re having a rich dish like lasagna, balance it with lighter sides like salad and a protein like turkey or pigeon peas. Sweeten sorrel with moderation and use lighter cream alternatives in drinks like ponche de crème.
🔟 Don’t Use the Season as an Excuse: Moderation is key—Christmas is a season, not an all-you-can-eat buffet. Stay consistent with healthy habits!
