It is common during New Year’s celebrations we change our diet for some dishes or typical products of these dates. These foods may not necessarily be aligned with a healthy diet if we are not careful.
By David León Lizama, professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological University of Peru (UTP), it is important to maintain a balance, or homeostasis, at these New Year’s Eve parties and strengthen our body by consuming food properly.
“The tradition of chocolate, panetón and Christmas dinner can play against us in terms of indigestion and excess calories, if we do not have the right care. We must choose one of them, opt for healthy and measure portions to consume, “David said.
He shares some recommendations that can help us enjoy the typical meals of these dates, without harming our nutrition.
1. Fruits and Vegetables
They are foods that are important, as they increase the body’s defenses, thanks to their high content of vitamins and minerals.
2. Decrease the consumption of saturated fats
Present in red meats, sausages and Christmas cakes. It is preferable to choose vegetable fats such as those provided by olive oil and blue fish, thanks to their heart-healthy properties.
3. Protein contribution
White meats, fish, eggs and vegetable protein, legumes, nuts, should be consumed in proper portions as they help strengthen our immune system.
4. Include carbohydrates
They are present in cereals, pasta and rice. In addition to energy, they provide fiber and improve intestinal transit, especially unrefined products. However, we must consume wisely so as not to exceed the calorie intake.
5. Reheated food
Ingesting reheated food could be harmful to health, especially if it is fatty and highly spicy food. This implies that toxin microorganisms develop in the environment and be a health risk producing stomach aches and severe gastrointestinal poisoning. Therefore, it is advisable to be careful with the consumption of these foods
6. Do not forget about physical activity
Finally, doing physical activities will help us maintain a caloric balance. It is important that they are part of our lifestyle, beyond what alludes to avoiding being overweight.