Avoid the Holiday Belly
The eternal question: “How do I avoid gaining weight over the holidays?” People always ask me, as a Naturopathic doctor, what I do to avoid over-indulging during the holiday season. First, in the days leading up to the big event, eat as a clean of as diet as you possibly can. By this, I mean choose your foods wisely. Eat simple fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean animal protein for breakfast lunch and dinner so when the big feast occurs, you can balance the weeks calories and not the days calories.
Secondly, buy some digestive enzymes at your local health food store and take them before the meal. I started this tradition a few years ago at the younger end of the table (sisters, cousins, etc…) 
Buy taking a digestive enzyme before you begin a big feast, it gives your digestive system a quick jump start and wake up call that something extraordinary may be occurring. With the added digestive protection, your body has the assistance it needs to break down what could potentially amount to several thousand more calories than it is used too. Don’t hesitate to take them before desert as well.
Drink lots of water. It will allow things to eliminate through your body in a more effective manner. Also, if you are drinking alcohol, balance the amount of alcohol you drink with water to prevent a hangover the next day (it really isn’t an old wives tale!)
And lastly, try to get out for a walk between meals. Volunteer to walk to the dog. It will give you a chance to escape doing dishes and get away from your aunt who has been chewing your ear off all night. The walk will give you fresh air, burn a few calories, and help to ensure the best digestion possible under the circumstances.
–Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine
Tags: Naturopathic, Wellness
