Vacation vibes without the gut woes: eat smart and feel great

PEOPLE don't diet on vacation because food is central to experiencing local culture, and vacations are a time to relax and indulge, making it difficult to maintain strict dietary habits due to restaurant portions, rich ingredients, and travel-related factors like alcohol consumption and limited healthy options.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

The break from routine can also disrupt eating patterns, leading to unconscious snacking or overeating.

To enjoy local culture without overindulging, consider shared dining experiences, such as ordering several dishes for the group to taste and share.

Prioritising dishes abundant in vegetables can also help manage indulgence while savouring local flavours. That post-vacation “glow” often comes with an uninvited guest: inflammation.

Think bloating, fatigue, cramps, or even a flareup of old aches. You don't have to give up indulgence to feel good. Experts say striking a balance is the secret.

“Adopting a few anti-inflammatory habits during vacation is a simple way of preserving the body’s balance while making the most of the season,” Paris-based naturopath Julie Pradines was quoted as saying.

She specialises in chronic digestive disorders and inflammatory diseases, and believes that even small tweaks help protect long-term health.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation itself isn’t the enemy; it’s actually the body’s natural response to stress, infection, or injury. If you cut your finger, swelling and redness are signs that your body is healing.

That's acute inflammation. The problem begins when inflammation lingers, which is referred to as chronic inflammation, a silent, low-grade state that can last months or years has been linked to conditions like:

• Heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Chronic pain

• Anxiety and depression

• Hormonal imbalances

• Certain cancers