Helpful Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

Dear Dr. Wonson:
The holidays are here! How can I enjoy all of the season's festivities without gaining weight or feeling sluggish?
- Loves to Indulge

Dear Loves to Indulge:
From cocktail parties and family feasts to workplace goodies, eating has become the central point of many holiday celebrations. While moderation is always important, there's no reason to feel guilty about a little indulgence this holiday season. Following are a few helpful tips to help keep your body in balance while enjoying your favorite holiday foods.
- Dr. Wonson D.C., L.Ac.

How Can I Avoid Eating Too Much?
Many people eat more than usual during the holiday season. To prevent overeating, just remember these few simple tips:

• Try to eat a light, healthy snack before attending any holiday event. When you skip meals, your blood sugar drops, creating a false sense of hunger.
• Eat in moderation, but don't deprive yourself. Take a little of everything. Sometimes a taste is all you need to avoid cravings later.
• Keep in mind that alcohol stimulates the appetite, lowers your resistance to impulse eating and causes dehydration. Alcoholic drinks are also high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain.
• When eating, remember to chew your food thoroughly, and to eat slowly. This creates less work for the stomach, and minimizes stress on the intestines and other internal organs.
• An increased intake of dairy products, alcohol and sweets can cause dryness and increased mucus in your throat. Orange peel, which can be found in teas, is a great remedy for this condition.
• Try to follow big meals with light cardiovascular exercise, such as walking. You will burn calories, and the increased flow of oxygen will give your mind and body renewed strength and energy.
• Finally, if you do overeat, certain Chinese herb teas can aid the digestive process. These teas are available through Dr. Wonson's office.

Fun Facts about Your Favorite Holiday Dishes
Holiday dishes don't have to be bad for you! In fact, many have important nutritional benefits.

• Cranberries
  Since cranberries are an alkaline fruit, they help counteract acidity caused by sugar. Cranberries also contain a healing agent that coats the tissue lining of the bladder, preventing the growth of bacteria and serving as a natural remedy for bladder infections.
• Yams and Pumpkins
  Yams (otherwise known as sweet potatoes) and pumpkins have high levels of beta carotene (vitamin A), which performs many important functions in the body. Vitamin A offers protection against degenerative aspects of aging, and reduces the risks of developing certain types of cancer. Plus, this essential nutrient helps heal tissue, and can prevent mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Yams and pumpkins also contain high levels of dietary fiber, which aids the digestive process.
• Lamb
  Lamb is a naturally "warm" red meat, which helps compensate for cold temperatures outside. Relatively low in fat and cholesterol, lamb is easy to digest, and is a valuable source of protein, minerals and vitamins such as iron, zinc, thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin (vitamin B-2) and niacin (vitamin B-3).
• Ham
  Ham, one of the leanest cuts of pork, is a "nutrient dense" meat. A good source of protein, ham also contains high levels of vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, iron and zinc.
• Deep-Fried Turkey
  Many love the juicy flavors of a deep-fried holiday turkey. Green tea breaks down the fatty oils associated with deep frying, helping the digestive process.
• Vegetables
  Don't forget to eat your vegetables! These essential elements of life are full of important nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, complex carbohydrates and water. Naturally low in fat, vegetables also contain certain antioxidants and enzymes that have been shown to protect the body from serious illnesses such as cancer. Fill your plate with vegetables in a variety of colors - the secret to their nutrient content. For example, green leafy vegetables contain high levels of calcium, iron and magnesium, while orange vegetables provide beta-carotene.