Latest update September 20th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 25, 2013 News
—but bingeing can be allowed
By Sharmain Grainger
The term ‘eat, drink and be merry’ often comes to mind during festive celebrations and this is particularly true during the celebration of Christmas which occurs annually in the month of December.
A number of succulent dishes are usually prepared and a variety of drinkables are available encouraging constant indulgence. The term ‘unhealthy’ simply does not come to mind for most during this joyous season.
There isn’t even an inkling of guilt felt by those who were desperately trying to maintain a healthy diet all year long because of a health scare of some sort, or maybe because their last New Year’s resolution was to maintain a healthy lifestyle; after all “I have next year to start all over again” they may convince themselves.
And such a perception may very well be in order, as according to Cardiac Specialist, Dr Mahendra Carpen, a healthy person indulging in an eating binge during the holidays may not be that bad at all.
Binge cautiously
‘The healthier you are the more you can tolerate these binges from time to time,” says Dr Carpen, who currently performs the dual role of Medical Director at the Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI) and Consultant Cardiologist to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
He nevertheless noted that there is evidence to support that indulging in such activities could in fact prove to be detrimental to some.
So “to indulge” or “not to indulge” will in fact require very serious thought, he maintains.
Consuming a great deal of alcoholic beverages and high fat foods, coupled with the effects of social smoking could considerably aid the progression of chronic non-communicable diseases, Dr Carpen underscored.
He pointed out that “a lot of the foods we eat have high sodium contents, so all of these various factors can combine to push already progressing diseases in the wrong direction. And even though we don’t want it to happen, a few patients do end up having real significant deterioration.”
But this does not mean that “doom and gloom” should surround the celebration of Christmas, the Cardiac Specialist asserted. “Yes you can enjoy yourself but you can do it responsibly; you don’t need to eat six heavy meals per day to enjoy yourself,” he cautioned even as he explained that of utmost importance, particularly during the holidays, is the need to plan your meals in advance. This, he noted, is important “so that you don’t wait until you are hungry and then decide what to eat.”
“When that is the scenario then generally you are going to be less selective and so when you are hungry you are more likely then to go and pick all of the unhealthy stuff because they are readily available,” said Dr Carpen.
Portion Control
He disclosed that another strategic move in ensuring that eating habits remain relatively healthy this holiday, is that of portion control. According to Dr Carpen, not only can such a tactic be deemed essential, but could prove to be one of the most important health moves an individual can adopt. “I know people like to eat a lot of meat around the holidays and I wouldn’t deny anybody enjoying their pepper pot and other stuff, but if you are going to eat a lot of meat, use more lean meat like poultry and fish and a portion shouldn’t be more than the size of a normal deck of cards,” the Heart Specialist informed.
Moreover, he is urging persons to, as far as possible, avoid high fat protein. “This could be a real challenge but it can be done…,” he assured.
Complementing a relatively healthy eating habit is the consumption of a great deal of fruits and vegetables, said Dr Carpen, who noted that while “you can have a nice piece of black cake-not quarter pan- you can use some nice fresh fruits as well.”
Added to this, he said that persons should seek to limit their alcoholic intake and drink more fruit juices. There is also wisdom in opting for whole grain foods during the holidays, said Dr Carpen, who explained that “if you are going to eat pepperpot, whole grain bread is a much better option to go with it than white bread.”
Embracing a healthy lifestyle
Although bingeing this Christmas may not cause much health risks for those who usually practice healthy eating all year long, Dr Carpen’s recommendation is that the more ‘carefree’ persons take special care.
This is important, he noted, since health sectors the world over are encouraging people to curb the negative outcomes associated with unhealthy lifestyles by embracing those that are healthy. “Really and truly short term changes don’t really cause that much of an effect; it is more of a long-term healthy lifestyle change that we are looking for.”
But according to Dr Carpen, a healthy lifestyle is much more than merely following a good diet. This strategic move, he said, also entails maintaining a good level of physical activity. The Cardiac Specialist suggested 150 minutes of exercise per week, which generally works out to about 30 minutes for five days per week.
This, he explained, can in fact help not only to lose weight but to control blood sugar, blood pressure and it is also known to help release certain endorphins,(hormones that are released into your body when you exercise or exert yourself) that make you feel better about yourself.
And according to him exercise has been shown to increase people’s pleasure in daily activities that are not even related to exercise.
Added to this, he is adamant that persons should abstain from smoking, while seeking to have as little stress as possible in their lives.
Although adopting a healthy lifestyle could pave the way for an improved life, you must bear in mind that “tomorrow is promised to no man.”
So if you are going to be healthy don’t put it off to Next Year; embrace a lifestyle that can probably help determine how many more Christmases you will be able to spend with family and friends.
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