It’s that time of the year again – holiday time. The celebrations kick-off with Thanksgiving dinners with friends and family – and lots of food.
Okay – so you’re probably going to overeat. You’ll have an extra slice of pie, and you’ll give in to a cocktail or a glass of wine – or two or three.
The abundance of home-cooked food adds to the celebration so don’t feel guilty splurging once or twice every year. Just know that holiday celebrations can result in indigestion and sugar-highs.
This is a special time to give thanks for all the wonderful things that we have in our lives – friends, family and “things” that we use every day. So enjoy and celebrate.
One of the special traditions about Thanksgiving is having a very large and special meal with others – a BIG meal. This tradition actually precedes America’s first Thanksgiving celebration with the Native Americans – people around the world have enjoyed many meals together and have gathered around their kitchen tables for centuries.
There were no televisions, no iPads, no Facebook or TikTok – for centuries, friends and family have celebrated meals, laughed, exchanged stories, honored their elders and dreamed about their children’s futures.
If you aren’t celebrating with family or friends this holiday season, spend time volunteering at a food bank, an animal shelter, or a retirement center – our human family includes all life – we are merely part of one big family at the end of the day.
Some Tips If You Overeat
No matter what you eat during the holidays, here are some simple tips to stay ahead of stomach issues or a jittery sugar buzz – it all starts with enzymes.
Enzymes are the “substances that make life possible.” No vitamin, mineral, or hormone can function without the presence of enzymes.
1) Enzymes and Hangovers
Enzymes help remedy digestive problems and are crucial in the elimination of toxins from your body. If not eliminated properly, toxins build and worsen, especially after eating too much sugar, alcohol, and overeating.
An enzyme can help you avoid a morning hangover.
Here are two important enzymes that you should know about – plant enzymes and pancreatic enzymes.
These enzymes can improve digestion and aid in the absorption of your nutrients. They are found naturally in healthy whole foods.
Enzymes literally “build” your body using proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Without the aid of enzymes, your body cannot properly utilize any nutrients that you eat. And, plant enzymes stimulate your digestive system.
Pancreatic enzymes work in both your digestive system and with your immune system. Pancreatic enzymes assist your stomach and pancreas to better assimilate your food and balance your insulin levels. With proper digestion, which includes efficient elimination, many illnesses can be prevented using enzymes.
Especially after a big celebration.
2) Chew Chew Chew
You MUST chew your food well. Proper chewing helps the food enzymes begin immediate digestion in your mouth.
If you don’t chew properly, the nutrients in your food aren’t released, especially cellulase. Cellulase is lacking in most packaged foods because of processing. Some supermarkets and salad bars spray fresh fruits and vegetables with chemicals that destroy the cellulase enzyme. Carryout and fast foods contain no cellulase.
Your body manufactures approximately 20 different digestive enzymes on its own that digest protein, carbohydrates, sugars, and fats. If your food is void of nutrients like so many modern foods are, or if you overeat and need more enzymes to address more food, using an enzyme during holiday celebrations is very important.
The best thing to do is eat your enzymes, but during holiday parties and get-togethers, I recommend taking an enzyme supplement with you to use after a big meal.
3) Digest In Stages
When you eat, you digest your food in stages.
Digestion begins in your mouth. This is one reason why you shouldn’t drink during a meal; the fluid washes away the initial digestive enzymes.
Digestion then moves into the stomach, and finally passes through the small intestine.
During each stage of digestion, specific enzymes break down the different types of foods that you have eaten.
This digestive process remains miraculously balanced throughout your body. At each point along the way, a different degree of acidity determines which enzymes function and which other enzymes are not needed.
Your body knows exactly what to do and when to do it, given the right tools – tools such as natural foods that are saturated with enzymes, or an enzyme supplement when you are at special events or holiday parties.
4) Avoid All Diet Sweeteners
The solution to overeating is NOT turning to the diet sweeteners. Avoid using even the smallest amount because you know how toxic diet sweeteners are. Stevia is the exception.
If you are not the cook, people bringing dishes to parties or even your host will use them, especially in desserts. It’s not rude to quietly ask if the diet sweeteners were used in a dish, but you can typically taste them immediately, and then you simply dispose of the dish or dessert when no one is watching.
It might be awkward, but don’t eat or drink any diet sweeteners – you’ll regret it in the morning.
Try these basic tips to enjoy holiday celebrations and over-eating. Eat small bites and smaller helpings, moderate your alcohol and sweets, and have a Happy Holidays!
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and is educational in nature. The FDA may not have evaluated some of the statements. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please discuss with your own, qualified health care provider before adding supplements or making any changes to your dietary program.
Before taking vitamins, consult your doctor; pre-existing medical conditions or medications you are taking can affect how your body responds to multivitamins.
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