Desserts at Christmas have always been part of the tradition of any Western country. Christmas parties without lights and sweets are not holidays, for everyone, whether they are diabetics, people with weight problems or people who have no disorders whatsoever. The important thing, however, is that this joy does not then turn into pain.
Therefore, a number of behavioral strategies should be adopted to properly manage this particular period but to enjoy it to the fullest.
Food has always represented a compensatory element of emotions and a gratification; the infant to calm himself down attaches to the mother’s breast and in this way often becomes pacified.
It is important, however, that the affective value of food does not conflict with our health, and indeed food helps us to live better.
Therefore, behavioral psychologists together with endocrinologists have compiled a series of tips to better manage social events and desserts.
1.) We enjoy the sight of sweets, enjoy window displays in which they are arranged, beautiful, colorful and gratifying even just to be seen. At most we buy a small portion to be eaten later in the day at the end of the meal.
2.) Instead, let us limit “the purchase of sweets” that will be used during the recurrence days 24, 25, 31, New Year’s Day and the Epiphany.
3.) Whenever we wish to eat a dessert always do so at the end of a meal : never eat it as a substitute for a meal, but always at the end of the meal itself by reducing the carbohydrates of that meal or eliminating them completely in the case of diabetic and obese patients, increasing protein and including at least three side dishes.
4.) Use a small dessert plate or even a bread plate in the case of the most important occasions by putting all the desserts you want to eat but all together without taking a second course.
These strategies will allow us to fully enjoy what we are experiencing but keep in check what is harmful to our health.
Merry Christmas to all of you and your loved ones!
