Pre-tox before you party to stay healthy.

From the Women to Women website, Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP.

"Sugary treats are almost always available at parties and special events, as well as other celebratory hazards that can disrupt even the healthiest lifestyle. If you’re planning to celebrate, there are some simple steps to take before you indulge to help pre-tox your system, and keep you feeling energetic and healthy.

The Favorite Four — Marcelle’s “pre-tox” tips:

1.Don’t skip meals — especially breakfast — if you starve yourself for hours before a big dinner or event, you might end up eating even more when you finally sit down at the table.

This type of fasting and feasting is a vicious cycle: it causes fatigue, digestive problems, blood sugar/ insulin complications, and fuels cravings.

To compensate, plan to eat regular meals, full of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with adequate lean protein to give you the energy you need.

I always advise cutting back on wheat/gluten intake or completely eliminating these symptom-causing culprits.

Make sure you’re taking a high-quality multivitamin every day before, during, and after special events or parties.

If you do eat sweets, pair them with some protein to tone down the surge in blood sugar. If you follow a healthy diet plan most of the time, you can still splurge on a treat here and there but you’ll be less likely to binge.

More about healthy eating...

2.Exercise — I know you’re busy and have a million things to do, but physical activity helps give you energy, strength, and stamina so you can really enjoy the festivities.

Exercise — even just a brisk 20-minute walk — stimulates your blood circulation, which is a key element in healthy detoxification.

Good circulation keeps toxins moving along detox pathways and out of your body.

Regular exercise also enhances mental clarity and helps you sleep better so try to make time for it.

3.Support liver function — Your liver is your “detoxification specialist,” working continually to neutralize and remove alcohol, toxins, pathogens, and other substances that can make you feel sluggish, fatigued — even sick.

Your liver is also in charge of breaking down most of the ingredients in the food you eat.

Party treats that contain excess sugar and fat can make your liver work extra hard. Help support this hard-working organ by eating lots of fruits and vegetables (again!) and choosing sulfur-rich foods (eggs, cruciferous veggies) that help support the detox process.

Try to take in enough fiber — it helps maintain a healthy balance of gut flora.

And consider using milk thistle or charcoal capsules — both available in many pharmacies — to help counteract any excess alcohol.

More about detox, liver function, and helpful supplements...

4.Bolster your immune system — Holidays or celebrations may be fun, but they still can take a toll on your immune system.

Late nights keep you from getting enough sleep. Get as much sleep as possible; a pre-party nap can do wonders.

Too many sugary, high-carb foods don’t provide the nutritious fuel necessary to support your body’s organ systems. You can fuel a healthy immune system by eating right as often as you can.

Take care to get enough vitamin D every day — your immune system depends on it — and 250–500 mg of vitamin C as well. You can also add probiotics on a regular basis because they promote digestive balance — most of your immune system is located in your gut.

More about immune support...

It may be tempting for women who feel they have a problem with sugar to simply cut out all carbohydrates. But an all-or-nothing approach just isn’t healthy — it takes all four food groups to regulate insulin and quell sugar cravings."