Mindful eating during the festive season: enjoy, don't overeat

THE festive season is a time of joy, food, family and celebrations.

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THIS festive season, make protein the star of your meals, advises the writer.

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But it can also bring overeating, bloating and guilt if we're not careful. The good news? You don't have to avoid your favourite festive meals - just enjoy them more mindfully.

Mindful eating is a simple way to eat with awareness, helping you enjoy food while still taking care of your health.

Eat your foods in the right order. To manage hunger and avoid overeating, try eating your food in this order:

· Start with a salad or cooked vegetables: this fills you up with fibre and water, and primes the gut for good health.

· Next, eat the protein: it keeps you full for longer and helps with muscle repair.

· Finally, add starches like rice, roti, or potatoes. This way, you eat less of them and they don't affect your sugar levels as drastically.

Make protein your priority