So the holidays don’t land on your hips

Christmas is just around the corner. There’s already cookies and all kinds of good stuff. On festive days, in many places, people feast appropriately.

What are the consequences of gluttony?

Rich and often fatty foods often push the digestive system to its limits. The result is a feeling of fullness, bloating and stomach cramps. “Some people consume up to 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone, which is three times the recommended daily intake and puts an excessive strain on our important metabolic organ, the liver,” warns the German Liver Foundation.

According to the German Society for Nutritional Medicine, pre-Christmas treats and feasts also have an effect on cholesterol and blood sugar levels. According to a study done in Denmark, cholesterol levels usually rise after Christmas and New Year’s. The LDL value, which is called bad cholesterol, is therefore 20 percent higher than in summer. High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke or heart attack.

Is Christmas making you fat?

Not necessarily. Basically, nutritionists say, “They get fat between New Year’s and Christmas, not between Christmas and New Year’s.” Those who eat healthy food throughout the year need not feel guilty about the holiday season. And two pounds more weight usually goes away again in the spring with exercise.

What are the ways to spend the day well?

The most important thing is moderation. Eating slowly and consciously is also very important because the feeling of fullness starts only after 15 minutes. In addition, the occasional meal should be canceled or a fasting day with plenty of fruit should be entered.

The German Liver Foundation recommends oven-baked fish with rice and vegetables as an alternative to roast goose. In addition to light soups and fresh salads, fruit salad for dessert also relieves digestion. Nutritionists also recommend taking long walks during the holidays. Exercise also helps with stomach upset.

How much alcohol is ok?

For example, the Federal Center for Health Education recommends restraint. “Alcohol is a cell toxin that can damage all organs.” Stress should not be washed down with alcohol. The Federal Center for Health Education doesn’t give much thought to digestive juices, either, because alcohol attacks the liver, especially when taken with fatty foods.

As a rule of thumb for low-risk alcohol consumption, experts generally recommend women no more than one small glass of alcohol per day, which is no more than 0.3 liters of beer or 125 milliliters of wine. Men should have no more than two small glasses, i.e. no more than 0.6 liters of beer or 250 milliliters of wine per day. (AFP/jmh)