Cityscape Christmas 2019

WELLBEING
DR LIBBY
THE GOOD LIFE
Temptations abound during party season
but it is possible to stay healthy without
missing out on the fun and festivities.
‘It’s a good idea to
have a glass of
water in between
alcoholic drinks’
W
ith the silly season upon us
and the numerous events
this can bring, it’s easy to
consume far more alcohol and
poorer quality foods than we might
usually. While alcohol can fit into a
healthy lifestyle and enjoying it
occasionally may be nourishing for
your soul, regular overconsumption
can have significant
consequences on health and
wellbeing. With all the work parties,
family gatherings and social events
spanning these months, many
people share with me that by the
end of the festive season they are
feeling far from their best. It is
entirely possible to maintain
great health and energy across
this time without compromising
your social life or missing out on
the fun and festivities. Here are
some tips to help:
Stay hydrated During these
warmer months, it’s important to
stay well hydrated. Even mild
dehydration can lead to symptoms
such as headaches and fatigue, and
it’s very common for thirst to be
confused with hunger. In fact, many
people cannot wait for that
after-work drink because they are
both thirsty and hungry. To test this
out for yourself, when you first
arrive home or to a gathering, have
a large glass of still or sparkling
water and a handful of nuts and
see if you still want the wine.
Alcohol has a dehydrating effect so
it’s also a good idea to have a glass
of water in between alcoholic
drinks, if you choose to drink them.
Or, instead of alcohol, you could try
kombucha or a delicious mocktail
made from sparkling water, mint
leaves and fresh lemon juice.
A little preparation can make
a big difference If your social
calendar is packed with events,
take a little time in advance to
consider which events you want to
enjoy whatever food and drinks
you feel like at the time, and which
events you might choose not to
drink alcohol at, for example. For
events that don’t have a sit-down
meal and are likely to involve lots of
canapés and fried foods, make sure
you aren’t starving when you arrive
at the event. Consider eating a light
meal at home before you go, or if
you’re heading to the event
straight from work, prepare some
nourishing snacks that you can
have beforehand if you want to
minimise the poorer quality
options being passed around. If
attending an event is rare for you,
of course relax and enjoy
everything on offer; but if they are
frequent, pick and choose the ones
where you do this.
It’s not all or nothing I can’t tell
you how many times I’ve heard
people say “I’ve ruined it” after
drinking too much or overindulging
in poor quality foods on
offer at an event. But it’s this kind
of thinking that tends to lead them
to continue eating and drinking in a
way that doesn’t serve their health.
If you tell yourself you’ve ruined it,
it’s likely that you’ll perceive you
have to “start over” tomorrow, or
next week … or next year, and in the
meantime you’ll likely keep making
poor quality choices. But the truth
is, it’s not all or nothing. Each
moment is a new opportunity to
make different choices, and you
haven’t ruined anything.
drlibby.com
78 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Christmas 19