Whether you’re a notorious sweet tooth or a sucker for savory foods, chances are you’ll end up going overboard at the dinner table this holiday season. To cut your odds of overdoing it, tune in more carefully to each meal, snack or sweet you eat. Rather than scarfing it all down, chew slowly and take time to enjoy each bite. Pause a few seconds before diving back into your dish, and check in with yourself every few minutes to gauge how hungry you feel. When a sensation of fullness starts to settle in, put down your fork instead of piling on more food. If you tend to eat until you’re uncomfortable stuffed, try sipping water or tea to curb that compulsion.
If you slip up despite your best efforts, a post-holiday detox diet can help get you back on track. Certain herbs (such as milk thistle, dandelion, and burdock) may aid in your detox efforts by nourishing your liver (the organ responsible for clearing toxins from your body). Fiber-rich foods like flaxseed and whole grains can also help rev up your digestive system and sweep those toxins out. And many detox experts recommend drinking fruit and vegetable juices to replenish your supply of health-boosting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. For advice on detoxing, watch this space—we’ll be guiding you through the various methods in a future post. Happy holidays!
