Festive indulgence and Ayurveda
Its that time of year again folks, where we start to plan for the festive period, which for most of us means lots of sweet treats, various meats and plenty of booze. And why not its only once a year right! We consume more processed foods, more booze which in turn can mean more caffeine to get us through the day after those late nights.
The effects of drinking too much alcohol can lead to headaches, dullness, heaviness, lack of a clear mind, nausea, dizziness and so on which are all symptoms of excess pitta. Drinking too much alcohol can be toxic to the stomach and liver, which triggers pitta, leading to serious illness. So here are few tips to help you:
Drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of lime juice, half a teaspoon of sugar, half a teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. This will take care of the excess pitta.
A glass of fresh orange juice and a pinch of cumin powder.
If you are suffering with a headache, burning stomach or lack of appetite try a cup of cool lassi. Blend one tablespoon of fresh yogurt with one cup of water and add a pinch of cumin powder. Drink this 3 or 4 times a day.
Drink coconut water to stay hydrated.
Try Ayurveda Pura's Anti Hangover mix available from Organic Magic Food Mix » Herbal supplements » Ayurvedic supplements » Organic herbs (ayurvedapura.com).
We also enjoy our sweet treats and I can always remember the sweet treat table in the office filled with celebrations, mince pies, Christmas Cake and plenty more which lasted until the new year if we didn't cave in or take bits home. So its no surprise that some of us may gain a few pounds. The problem is the extra fats and sugars consumed is not burnt off if we do not have a regular exercise routine and instead turned into adipose tissue. To reduce those pounds piling on, try to avoid cold drinks, fatty fried foods, dairy products and carbohydrates as these slow down the metabolism. Instead favour hot water or herbal teas. If you like meat, favour fish or chicken but avoid beef, lamb and pork. Get a daily walk in for at least half an hour and I find after lunch is the best time. Skip breakfast and snacks or choose herbal teas when feeling hungry in between meals. Eat your biggest meal at lunch time between 12pm and 2pm. These small tips can help to reduce over indulgence during the festive period.
I hope the tips above help and if you want more advice on how to get through the festive season for other matters such as creating a routine to prevent over indulgence or you may be feeling emotional changes as we enter the colder, darker months, please do not hesitate to contact.
In the mean time enjoy the winter, enjoy the parties, enjoy the food, enjoy the company and we will get you through it all using our Ayurvedic holistic approach.
