I am weak-willed when it comes to cheese and wine. I need some help this holiday season fighting the temptations.
The Fight and Loss to Brie and Pinot
I ate a brie, bacon, and apple panini paired with a pinot noir recently. I’m lactose-intolerant, and I don’t tolerate alcohol very well. (Asian flush), but it sounded good and looked even more delicious at the time. I admit it- I’m WEAK!
The sandwich was delectable! Toasted perfectly, and the brie was melted and drizzling off the edge of the bread. I ignored my inner voice as I took each savory, sweet bite. I didn’t want to seem wasteful, so I finished the glass of Pinot and more than half of that beautiful sandwich.
Minutes after the food and alcohol hit my stomach, I knew I made a mistake. My pants were getting tighter around my waist and the grumbling was getting louder and more obnoxious. This was not fun. When I got home, I took Lactaid and went to bed feeling gross. That brie was still freakin’ worth this gas, though!
The Morning After
The next morning, I awoke from sleep feeling like I had the flu. My mouth was so dry, it was difficult to form words to ask for water, so I was forced to pull myself out of the bed that felt like quicksand and carry my one-ton pounding head as I made my way to the bathroom sink. All my joints were aching, stiff, and swollen to the point that making a fist was not possible and my wedding band was binding and uncomfortable. In the bathroom mirror, I realized that I looked almost as bad as I felt. My skin was ashen, eyelids and cheeks were puffy, and I looked like I had the flu. Indulging in dairy and sulfite might not have been worth it after all!
With the holidays coming, I decided I should be more conscientious about eating. To keep me from holiday bloat and next-day misery, I am adhering to these rules:
How I’m Avoiding The Lactose- and Sulfite-Induced Bloat This Holiday Season
- I’ll say no to cheese.
- If I choose to eat cheese, then I’ll only have a nibble, and I won’t drink alcohol.
- If I choose to eat cheese and drink alcohol, then I will only nibble and sip.
- I’ll choose to eat to-die-for food that makes the post-meal bloat worth it.
- I’ll wear fitted clothing. No elastic waistband as a reminder for nibbling only.
- I’ll focus on talking to friends and family instead of obsessing on the foods being served.
- I’ll take selfies. It’s easy to turn away from any food once I see puffiness.
- I’ll leave the Lactaid and Tums at home. I deserve what I get.
- I’ll give my husband permission to yank the offending foods out of my hand before it reaches my mouth. He has to deal with the aftermath too.
- I’ll ask my sisters and friends to taste all foods first- if they say it’s worth it, then I will dive in, otherwise, I’ll say no.
- I’ll forgive myself and start fresh at the next meal. No need for guilt. I’ll make a better decision next time.
This is a challenging time of year for everyone, including me. How are you fighting food temptations during the holidays? Please share!
Read about natural ways to fight bloat here.
Excess alcohol intake can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Read more here.
Learn more about me here.
