THE NEW YEAR’S EVE SURVIVAL GUIDE

…with small tweaks

31st December, 2019

The most hyped night of the year often ends up being the most damaging one to our health. Good sense gives way to alcohol-influenced choices. In the midst of revelry we tend to forget the basic rules of nutrition. Late night eating, long gaps between meals, alcohol and dessert binges, lack of sound sleep and exercise all lead to a disastrous New Year’s Day, creating havoc with our mind and body long after the celebrations are over.

Here’s our guide to survive New Year’s Eve…

Dine at home:

Eat a well-balanced wholesome dinner with carbs, protein, fats and fibre. For example, roti-sabzi-dal-dahi. It’s common sense you won’t binge on heavy, calorie-laden party foods if you are already satiated. And, since your stomach is lined with food, alcohol will not cause much damage. In addition, you’ll have enough energy to party all night.

Choose the food sensibly:

• Select non-grain options if the party is between 12am to 5am.
• Choose soups/salads/stir-fried vegetables/smoothies/nuts/fruits as your munching options.
• Avoid solid foods like pasta/pizza/hummus/sandwich etc.

Sleep:

Our body detoxifies during sleeping hours. If you don’t get 6-8 hours of sleep as recommended for adults, you’ll most likely gain weight.

Step up your vitamin game:

• Take B-complex twice a day when you know you’ll be having more than 3 pegs of alcohol—this will ensure your immunity is not compromised.
• Take an antacid before the party if you are prone to acidity post drinking.

Burn the extra intake:

Dance at the party and follow it up with low intensity exercise the next evening, after resting the whole day of course.

Eat well the next day:

Even if you wake up late, don’t skip breakfast or lunch. Keep your dinner light—have a smoothie with an extra fruit, or enjoy a portion of chicken/fish with a helping of stir-fried vegetables, or then some curd with a bowl of stir-fried vegetables.