Summer of celebrations more sensibly and healthily

Wednesday, 27th June 2012

Here Phil offers some suggestions on how to enjoy the summer of celebrations more sensibly and healthily;

- Avoid fry ups as a hangover cure as you will just be giving the body an unnecessary amount of saturated fat and salt, prolonging the ill effects. Porridge makes a great power breakfast as it contains Vitamin B to enhance your mood and helps to cleanse the liver, absorb toxins and slowly raise blood sugar levels. If you can't stomach much, try a banana. It's gentle on the stomach, good for keeping up your blood sugar and packed with potassium, essential for good digestion. Potassium is lost by the body when alcohol is consumed, contributing to the symptoms of dehydration as part of the hangover. Replacing this lost mineral will speed up your recovery.

- Barbequed food can be healthy and tasty; just try to look beyond the burger. Fish is a delicious alternative option to greasy sausages and processed meats and is filling and nutritious. Vegetable kebabs or corn on the cob are really easy to cook and eat with your hands at barbeque gatherings.

- Anyone with a sensitive digestive system should avoid fatty meats and fried foods always, including pizza and French fries. Try to make party food from scratch so you know exactly what you are putting into your body. Instead of ordering in pizza, make your own so you can add fresh vegetables and control the portion sizes. Make your own ready meals like curries and stock up your freezer to avoid the temptation of takeaway, especially the day after a party when you won't feel like cooking.

Dr. Eva Orsmond adds her own tips for a healthy gut during summer's celebrations;

- Keep moving! Exercise can help create a healthy digestive environment by allowing food to move through the large intestine much quicker. So, where possible during the summer, run or walk to the events you may be watching or exercise whilst watching the TV to keep you active whilst in the house.

- If you are drinking alcohol, remember how toxic it is to the system. Pace yourself and alternate drinks with water or try spritzers if you are out for a long night. Keeping your body hydrated helps the gut to flush out waste and prevent constipation. Generally you should aim for 8-10 glasses a day and keep an eye on your alcohol intake.

- If you are attending an event, try not to eat on the run, and do make time for a healthy snack to keep you going. Eat slowly and chew your food well as this releases enzymes which kick-start digestion and hormones which will reduce the amount you want to eat.