With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are contemplating their New Year's Eve celebrations, often focusing on the feast. This year, health experts offer guidance for those wishing to indulge without compromising their health.
Antonina Starodubova, Chief Dietician of the Moscow Department of Health, emphasizes the benefits of healthier ingredient substitutions. "We do not recommend mayonnaise. The less it is on the New Year’s table, thebetter. Mayonnaise in Olivier can be replaced with sour cream. Sausage can be replaced with lean meat varieties, such as chicken. You can prefer lightly salted herring instead of salted herring. For making Mimosa, you can use boiled fish instead of canned fish," she said during the recent press conference organized by the Moscow Government Information Center.
Starodubova highlights the vitally important role of fruits and vegetables during holiday festivities. "Fruits are sources of vitamins. It is recommended to serve them fresh or make salads with nuts and berries," she advises, noting their dual effectiveness at reducing meal calorie counts and adding a festive flair to the table.
Alina Sazonova, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Moscow Narcology Center, recommends choosing beverages wisely during celebrations. "The safest drink for the New Year’s table is dry white wine. One or two glasses for the night," she suggests. "It’s best not to mix it with other drinks, and it’s important to maintain physical activity to offset any indulgences." Sazonova underlines the risks of drinking alcohol on an empty stomach and the dangers of dual-drink consumption.
Leila Namazova-Baranova, Head of the Pediatric Faculty at Pirogov University, indicates the necessity for mental preparation amid physical indulgences. "We need to balance what will be eaten on New Year's Eve. You should not starve before the holiday, and maintaining physical activity helps counterbalance eating during celebrations," she advises. She emphasizes the importance of staying active, recommending simple outdoor games and fitness activities.
Notably, Starodubova's insights are built on the idea of minimizing unhealthy choices for friends and family members with specific health concerns, such as diabetes. She advocates for meals to omit ingredients unsuitable for those guests, ensuring the atmosphere remains festive without jeopardizing anyone's health.
The message is clear: the holiday table can be both festive and healthy if equipped with the right strategies and ingredients. One can enjoy traditional holiday foods with the right adjustments, creating dishes rich with nutrients devoid of excess calories.
Finally, as New Year's Eve approaches, there remains the urge to indulge. Experts caution against overlooking health cues, especially when it concerns food quality. Namazova-Baranova summarizes the collective wisdom, "We must not ignore bodily indicators when preparing ingredients. Listening to our body's reactions to food is key to preventing health risks during the festivities."
By keeping these suggestions at the forefront, health-conscious revelers can plan meals this holiday season to be both memorable and nutritious. Happy New Year!
