‘Tis the season to be jolly. But that doesn’t mean you should overeat! Otherwise, you might find yourself suffering from indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn or high-blood pressure. (Let’s not even talk about the extra pounds.) To make sure you don’t overindulge this Christmas, here are some ideas:

1.      Before you eat, drink a glass or two of water. Or, munch on some greens. It will give you the feeling of fullness thus preventing you from overeating.

2.      Get small portions of all the dishes instead of just sticking to your favorite. Eating a variety of food ensures that you aren’t loading up on an unhealthy food (think lechon!).

3.      Ditch the sweets. Get fruits for dessert instead.

4.      Chew your food well. Savor each bite. It is believed that the brain takes a while to recognize that the stomach is full. Distract yourself from overstuffing by putting down your spoon and fork after every bite.

With these tips in mind, you will be able to enjoy the holidays without feeling bloated, sluggish, or just plain sick. Advanced merry Christmas and happy eating!