From food poisoning and indigestion to hangovers and upset stomachs, festive meals are often eagerly awaited and much appreciated, but their aftereffects can be difficult. This is undoubtedly linked to the many excesses involved in the festive season, often involving a profusion of foods and alcohols as rich as they are varied.
And racking up a series of these gargantuan meals – on Dec 24 and 25, Dec 31 and Jan 1, at least – only makes things worse. As such, taking action before, during and after these celebratory moments of indulgence can help ease the blow.
The importance of water
You can’t force water on every guest at the Christmas table, but this mealtime basic is a must. It’s important to stay hydrated to avoid certain discomforts when you wake up the next morning, and not just hangovers: water not only aids digestion but also promotes the absorption of nutrients, reduces the risk of dehydration, and controls appetite.
Furthermore, water helps curb hunger, so you eat less at mealtimes. Add some lemon for some added zing: the citrus fruit is among the richest in vitamin C (more than 29mg per 100mg), which contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system and helps reduce fatigue.
The best thing to do is drink plenty of water before the big meal, alternate alcohol and water as necessary during mealtimes, and then drink plenty of sky juice again afterwards.
And while champagne and other festive fizzes are Christmas staples, non-alcoholic cocktails and wines are becoming increasingly popular, saving you all kinds of woes. If you do opt for alcohol, it’s advisable to stick to wine and bubbly rather than alcoholic cocktails, which are usually sweeter.
Don’t neglect your veggies
For some, vegetables in any form have no place in the holiday festivities. But they can make indulgent meals much healthier and lighter, so why not offer them as before-dinner snacks, when stomachs are grumbling and guests tend to nibble away endlessly?
As a host, it’s perfectly possible to limit the amount of snacks before a big meal to avoid excess. Still, vegetables allow you not to deprive yourself or your guests, and can quash hunger pangs with no regrets.
In this case, it’s best to opt for raw vegetables: carrots, cucumbers, radishes, celery, cherry tomatoes and cauliflower, among others, served with dips that are as light as possible, such as hummus, guacamole, tzatziki, tapenade, or yoghurt or sour cream enhanced with herbs and lemon.
As an alternative to salty snacks, why not serve nuts and dried fruit as healthier and lighter nibbles before the Christmas feast? These are a great option, since they’re also packed with health benefits.
Make smart choices
It’s hard to deny yourself Christmas delicacies, especially when everyone else is indulging, but sometimes you just have to make smart choices, especially if you know you have a delicate stomach – or liver.
In any case, it’s important to avoid too many foods rich in saturated fats. You don’t have to completely deprive yourself – smoked salmon, for example, is a source of such fats but at a lower level than sausage or charcuterie. Plus, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are particularly good for heart health.
For a balanced meal, choose lean proteins such as turkey or chicken (skinless), which are lower in fat. Whenever possible, serve with grilled or steamed vegetables.
If you’re preparing the meal, try replacing refined sugars with unrefined or natural alternatives like honey. In all cases, it’s important to take short breaks between each course, and to indulge in moderation.