The exceptional meals associated with the holiday season continue as they do every year. The trend is a return to tried-and-true favorites, prioritizing quality over quantity. This is a good thing, as this convivial period is characterized for some by a veritable "marathon" of festive meals, which can have a significant impact on the waistline (with work colleagues, the gym, close friends, and then various family gatherings!). However, it's difficult not to give in to temptation and postpone our good dietary resolutions until the New Year.
A New Year's Eve Menu That's Good for Your Figure and Your Wallet
For an aperitif, it's best to offer wines (white) and champagnes, which are universally enjoyed. For a change, why not try a sparkling herbal beverage (made with birch sap, for example, from an organic store)? These drinks can be accompanied by refreshing verrines, appetizer skewers, raw vegetables with homemade dips (beetroot, sweet potato, or red lentil hummus), or even homemade seaweed tartare and taramasalata.
For seafood lovers, the choice is vast: oysters, seafood platters, smoked or marinated salmon (opt for organic or wild salmon by researching fishing areas), organic smoked trout, organic prawns, langoustines, mussels, or even fish soup. A source of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, fish, shellfish, and crustaceans offer a delicious and healthy meal that's good for the soul! Be mindful of mayonnaise, salted butter, and other croutons and specialty breads, as these can significantly increase the calorie count and glycemic load of the meal. Many alternatives exist, such as cold sauces made with vegetables, yogurt, or silken tofu to replace mayonnaise or rouille.
For those who prefer traditional fare, opt for roasted poultry or special preparations (duck breast rather than foie gras), winter vegetables (butternut squash, raw or cooked beets, parsnips, celeriac, chestnuts), fresh or dried mushrooms, or sweet potatoes (which have a very low glycemic index), all of which are easy to cook together.
At the end of a meal, it's a good idea to offer a green salad (such as lamb's lettuce, rich in omega-3 fatty acids) accompanied by cheese shavings rather than a cheese platter, so that dessert is the perfect choice. Whether made with dark chocolate or vibrant fruits (exotic fruits or frozen berries), dessert provides a delicious end to festive meals.
How to Avoid Gaining Weight
Eat smart. Take the time to chew your food thoroughly to feel full faster. Avoid second helpings and drink water regularly during meals and appetizers.
Be more active during this period. By walking: Walking is accessible to everyone, so make a point of walking more than usual: leave the car at home and walk or cycle to work. City dwellers will avoid traffic jams this way! If you're on vacation, opt for a walk in the forest or a park to refresh your body and mind. By doing sports: Add several extra sessions to your usual exercise routine (cycling, swimming, jogging, gym workouts, etc.) in the days leading up to and following this busy period.
Detoxify. A detox cure after the holidays helps to cleanse and drain in order to eliminate toxins by stimulating the liver and the hepatobiliary system (dandelion, meadowsweet, fucus, artichoke, lemon balm).
How to Manage Digestive Issues
A traditional ally for digestive health, herbal medicine proves invaluable in preventing and resolving recurring digestive problems before, during, or after the holiday season. Artichoke and lemon balm help alleviate spasms, stomach aches, bloating, "liver attacks," and other digestive issues prevalent during the festive period. Also consider clay, activated charcoal, probiotics, and essential oils of peppermint and rosemary. We also recommend the our supplement Glutaform®, specifically designed to improve digestive comfort and intestinal immunity.
Happy Holidays!