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How to stay healthy throughout the holidays

As the holidays approach, families and friends begin to plan their festivities. These large meals tend to include high fat foods, stress, pressure to eat and try new foods and an expectation to continue traditions. And with a meal being the central activity for many holidays, people often overconsume and then suffer the consequences of weight gain and sluggishness.

One popular trend to rectify this feeling is to try cleansing or detoxing post-holidays, however, Jamie Portnoy, registered dietitian at Advocate Weight Management in Libertyville, Ill cautions against this tactic.

"Cleansing and detoxing aren't proven to flush toxins out of our body, in fact they are going to cause more harm to our body than good," says Portnoy. "Short detox's can cause unpleasant side effects such as low energy, lightheadedness, headaches and nausea. Longer-term, more in-depth detox's can cause harm to the organs. Overall, they can cause people to have an electrolyte imbalance, interfere with blood sugar regulation, and shouldn't be recommended for anyone."

In addition, Portnoy warns that cleansing and detoxing should be avoided for people with diabetes, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, chronic medical conditions, pregnant and or nursing women.

Instead, here are some strategies from Portnoy to help keep you on your meal plan throughout the holiday season:

- Know the menu before going to the party.

- Bring a healthier food option for everyone.

- Aim to exercise the morning of the party.

- Never save all your calories for the big event.

- Never arrive hungry to the party.

- Spend less time by the food/appetizer table.

- Use small plates for your main meal.

- Sip on water throughout the night so you always have something in your hand.

- Pay attention to what you are eating, take small bites, chew well, put your fork down, engage in conversations, eat slowly and savor the flavor.

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