Don't Suffer from Holiday Eating. Feel Better. Adopt These Tactics!
Whatever midwinter holidays you celebrate -- it is cold, it is dark, spring is a long way off -- and people are happy to break out the rich, sugary foods and maybe alcohol, and hang out with friends or reward employees. This puts you in a jam if you have dietary limitations (or just want to be able to zip your jeans in January). If you are on the Candida Diet (Ham is soaked in sugar, right? No stuffed mushrooms. Are olives, okay -- I can't remember!!!) how do you partake in the gaiety without doing damage to yourself?
First, the good news: if you are on our One-Two Punch maintenance program and your symptoms are under control, you don't have to be on the Candida Diet!
But it is still sensible to eat healthy -- for so many reasons. Here are a few suggestions:
Eat a full, healthy, meal before going to the party. Yes, you could fill up on appetizers, but if you are lactose-intolerant and everything is smothered in cheese, or gluten-sensitive and all the hors d oeuvres are riding on a cracker, you are either going to starve or eat something you shouldn't.
If you overeat (or overdrink), because of feeling a little nervous or awkward, try taking a dose of probiotics before the party - or even a serving of yogurt or sauerkraut. Several recent studies have shown that calming our "second brain" (the gut) with good microorganisms soothes social anxiety.
Drink alcohol lightly. Not only are driving conditions (and other drivers) apt to be treacherous this time of year, but too much alcohol also can cloud your judgment about food choices (among other things . . .).
If you are seriously allergic, say to peanuts or shellfish, don't take chances: bring your EpiPen, or at least quick-dissolving antihistamine tablets, in case you have a reaction.
Don't be afraid to wield a knife: if your hostess is famous through the state for her brandied truffles, but sugar is an issue for you (and isn’t it for most of us?), shave off a quarter of the bonbon and savor it – I promise you, it will taste just as delightful as the whole thing!
If you know the host or hostess well, try calling him or her the day before. While being totally clear that you don't want them to do anything different, explain your limitations and ask if there is anything you should avoid - or that might be food-sensitive friendly.
Take extra ThreeLac™, to help defend yourself against those yeast-feeding treats!
Have a positive attitude. Rather than feeling deprived because you can't eat everything on the buffet, realize that you are here to enjoy the people and share the season. And enjoy!