According to research, New Year’s celebrations often put an increased strain on the digestive system and the body as a whole. How can you celebrate the holiday while maintaining your health and figure, and what is the best food to choose for the New Year’s table? Lyubov Konopleva, head of the therapeutic and rehabilitation department at the “Okzhetpes” health and wellness complex, shared her advice with a correspondent from the Kazinform agency.

— Lyubov Vasilievna, should we prepare our bodies for the upcoming New Year holidays and the abundance of food on the table?

— Of course, you can start preparing for your favorite holiday a week before it arrives. During this time, you should avoid loading your body with unhealthy and heavy food, as well as overconsuming alcohol. A couple of days before the holiday, you can give your body a break by having detox days. This is not about fasting, but rather consuming dairy products and low-calorie food.

— What does a “healthy” table look like on New Year’s Eve?

— First of all, the holiday table should be set according to the principles of healthy eating. The diet should be diverse and balanced. The energy value of the food should match the body’s energy expenditure. You should also watch your intake of salt and sugar during the holiday feast, and avoid carbonated drinks. Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods from five groups: vegetables, fruits, and meat, which should be included in sufficient quantities on the holiday table. Instead of sausages and smoked foods, there should be salads made from fresh vegetables or fruits, seasoned with vegetable oil, yogurt, or lemon juice. Start your meal with these, as they are easily digestible and rich in enzymes that help digest the following dishes. Meat should be served with vegetables and greens. And it’s best to avoid cakes and pastries altogether.

— Are there any special features in the preparation of festive dishes at the “Okzhetpes” sanatorium? What will your menu look like?

— At our sanatorium, the festive table will have a theme—”Winter Fairytale.” The menu will include all types of healthy meats, such as horse meat, goose, chicken, elite fish varieties, as well as shrimp and caviar. The products will be prepared in the proper conditions. For example, the meat will be cooked at low temperatures—up to 80°C in a slow-cooking mode for 4-6 hours, preserving all the beneficial substances and protein. This is our special approach to preparing festive New Year’s dishes.

— What drink options will be available at the New Year’s table in the “Okzhetpes” sanatorium?

— The difference will be that we will prepare the drinks ourselves. We will not have store-bought sodas; instead, we will offer drinks made in-house, with added fruit juices, lemon, orange, and fresh mint. Additionally, after three hours into the holiday feast, it’s better to drink strong tea. It will have astringent effects on the mucous membranes of the stomach and speed up digestion.

— Is it correct to fast all day before the holiday meal?

— This is absolutely not recommended. You should eat small portions frequently throughout the day. This principle will be followed in our sanatorium, so there won’t be a large strain on the body during the festive meal, as we always provide rational meals throughout the day.

I would also like to add that the main advantage of our table is that guests will be able to choose healthy and tasty dishes from a variety of options, without harming their health and based on their personal taste preferences. Moreover, a pleasant atmosphere will be created for dining. The unusual table setting, relaxation, and socializing are all important at the holiday table. When celebrating, it’s important to move more, joke, dance, and talk. Remember: during the New Year holidays, the rule is: the more we eat, the more movement we need! I wish everyone a wonderful New Year holiday without any negative consequences for your body!

— Alcohol is very harmful in large doses to the liver and body. Therefore, if you can’t do without it, at least limit yourself to one drink, avoiding mixing light alcohol with strong drinks and soda. Another tip is to drink water between toasts. This will help prevent intoxication and dehydration. It’s best to avoid harmful sodas and packaged juices.