Cathal BarryCathal Barry helps you to avoid the various temptations of Christmas
It’s almost that time of year again: Christmas! Although this is one of the most enjoyable times of the year for many people, it can be difficult for anyone who wants to lose weight or preserve their hard-worked-for figures.
In the lead-up to Christmas day, we’re always surrounded by lots of temping food and drinks. While there is no reason to feel guilty about enjoying yourself, it’s worth remembering that, on average, people gain from one to five pounds over the Christmas period. Alcohol is a major contributing factor.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that avoiding alcohol is best for maintaining a lean body. In addition to the added calories (seven per gram), alcohol also affects metabolism because when you drink it, your body puts all other metabolic processes on hold until it has processed the alcohol.
As a result, your body can’t convert the calories from the alcohol to fat, meaning it needs to use them up. This will delay all other fat burning and energy use until the alcohol has been processed. Drinking alcohol in excess can also have a detrimental effect on your hormones.
That said, considering it is Christmas, people are likely to indulge in a tipple or two to relax and unwind. Therefore, it is useful to have a few strategies to speed detoxification of alcohol.
Green tea, curcumin and milk thistle have all been shown to blunt the ill effects of alcohol and help eliminate it.
Green tea is filled with antioxidants and it is well known to combat the effects of oxidative stress on the body.
Research shows that the antioxidants in green tea will protect the liver from damage by alcohol. It may also help minimise the effects of a hangover because of better liver function.
Oxidative stress
Drink green tea before attending a Christmas party and you will not only protect yourself from oxidative stress from alcohol, but you’ll also improve insulin sensitivity. Green tea elevates glucose uptake and supports fat burning, making it a ‘must have’ before any holiday party.
Curcumin, a super nutrient found in the spice turmeric, has been proven to protect the liver from alcohol. Studies have shown that curcumin significantly decreases the acute inflammation caused by alcohol, while enhancing detoxification.
Finally, milk thistle can speed the elimination of toxins through the liver and protect it from damage. It’s a well-known liver tonic that has been shown to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects when supplemented regularly.
Additional strategies to accelerate detox from alcohol include the following:
- Drink lots of water with added electrolytes before and after alcohol consumption.
- Have a healthy and balanced meal prior to consuming alcohol. This may lead to you drinking less and will minimise cravings for alcohol and foods that are high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.
- Exercise as much as you can over the Christmas period.
- Remember that you have complete control over everything you drink.