Nutritionist Elena Solomatina suggests a practical way to avoid overeating on New Year’s Eve: plan the holiday schedule ahead of time. The radio program Moscow Speaks highlights this advice, emphasizing that a well-structured evening can keep portion sizes in check and prevent overindulgence once the initial tastes draw attention away from the main course. By imagining the night as a sequence of courses rather than a single feast, guests can pace themselves and savor a variety of dishes without feeling overwhelmed.
The core message from Solomatina is clear: when a person samples the most appealing items first and then moves on to less familiar dishes, appetite perception shifts and the meal stretches longer than intended. A thoughtful approach to the sequence of courses helps maintain control over both appetite and total intake. In practice, this might mean prioritizing lighter starters or healthier options at the outset and reserving richer choices for later, after a sense of fullness has already begun to develop. Such an approach supports balanced nutrition during the celebration while still allowing for festive enjoyment.
Beyond mindful dining, achieving a calmer appetite can also be supported by a short outdoor break. Getting outside for a brisk walk offers a natural way to burn calories and dampen appetite, especially when the air is cool. Temperature changes prompt the body to expend energy as it adapts, which can help moderate hunger signals. This strategy pairs well with a holiday routine that includes fresh air breaks between courses or after big meals, helping guests feel more comfortable and less inclined to overeat.
Earlier, the chief oncologist of the Ministry of Health and Academician Andrey Kaprin cautioned about three categories of foods that should be minimized on the New Year’s table. Kaprin singled out smoked, spicy, and fatty items as the most problematic because of their higher risk profile for digestive discomfort and potential long-term health concerns. His guidance focuses on reducing the presence of heavily processed smoked meats, robustly seasoned dishes, and high-fat selections that can overwhelm the stomach and complicate digestion during a festive night. By limiting these groups, households can preserve flavor and variety while lowering the risk associated with heavy meals.
Taken together, these health reminders offer a practical framework for a safer, more enjoyable holiday feast. Plan the menu with balanced portions, favor lighter, nutrient-dense options, and intersperse meals with fresh air and gentle activity. Such an approach supports not only immediate comfort but also longer-term well-being, ensuring that the celebration remains a happy memory rather than a source of post-holiday discomfort. Even without dramatic changes, thoughtful choices can make a meaningful difference in how the night feels and how the body responds to its festive foods.
In a broader sense, these recommendations reflect a growing emphasis on mindful eating during holiday periods. By approaching the table with intention, paying attention to the order of dishes, and incorporating breaks for movement, individuals can enjoy a richer variety of flavors while maintaining a sustainable balance between energy intake and energy expenditure. The overarching idea is simple: celebrate with care, savor what matters, and listen to the body’s signals to guide portion size and pacing throughout the night.