HOW ARE YOU RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR?
They say “as you start the year, so it goes.” So, shall we say let’s enter 2026 healthy, happy, and full of hope?
Every year, December is filled with the joy of New Year’s celebrations, endless gatherings, and tables overflowing with food and drink. Usually, everyone postpones their weight control and diet plans until January. But things don’t always go as planned. Why? Because the nutritional mistakes made in December can weaken your immune system, and while you’re trying to recover in January, those weight loss goals get pushed to “some other time!” How about listening to my suggestions to avoid this trap and start your January goals with a bang?
SIMPLE TIPS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SAY FAREWELL TO 2025 HEALTHILY
✔ As the weather cools down, water intake tends to decrease. Watch out! This negatively impacts both your immune system and weight control. Furthermore, water is your best ally in fighting the bloating caused by increased alcohol consumption during festivities. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day and remember that the fluid from tea and coffee does not replace water.
✔ Besides alcohol, the foods consumed during this period significantly increase the load on your liver, often leading to higher liver enzymes and triglyceride levels in January check-ups. The most important trick when drinking alcohol is to avoid pairing it with carbohydrates. On days you consume alcohol, you should strictly avoid salty carbs like pizza, pasta, and rice, as well as sugary ones like chocolate, cake, and fruit.
✔ Walking is a friend not just to your muscles, but also to your liver. Make sure to go for a walk, especially the day after consuming alcohol. Take the first step before the alcohol calories—stored as glycogen—have a chance to contribute to liver fat. ✔ Also, try to protect your sleep cycle; one of the keys to a strong immune system is quality sleep. Aim for 8 hours of sleep a day and try to be asleep especially between 02:00 AM and 05:00 AM for optimal weight control.
✔ Increased alcohol consumption can lower your B12 vitamin levels, so be sure to add Vitamin B12 to your January check-up list. ✔ Additionally, stay away from liquid sugar sources. Do not add to your liver’s burden with freshly squeezed juices, sodas, or sugary coffee drinks when your alcohol intake is already high. ✔ Finally, try not to disrupt your body’s accustomed meal times. Instead of skipping a meal entirely to save calories, simply halve your portions. This prevents your metabolism from slowing down and keeps you in control.
Wishing that 2026 brings us all happiness, luck, and health… See you in January with brand new tips.
DIETITIAN NİLÜFER BAYRAM
