Russian salad, rolls, sarmi, roasted meat, an abundance of dairy and cured meat products - this is what the Macedonian holiday menu looks like. Many of us unreservedly enjoy the abundance of food that is most often fatty and high in calories.
After the holidays, we often feel tired and bloated. But maybe that's the best time to start the path to a better and healthier diet?
In our latest interview, nutritionist Simona Korunovska reveals how to restore balance to the body and start the New Year with energy.
From the best ways to detoxify the body, through diet and food recommendations, to the importance of hydration and physical activity – this interview is ideal for anyone looking to start a healthy routine.
Learn how to get rid of bloating, which foods to avoid, and how to build habits that will prevent toxin buildup in the future.
Simona Korunovska – nutritionist
- A wonderful holiday season is behind us, which was marked by, among other things, delicious, but also fatty and high-calorie food. Can you tell us what are the best ways to detoxify the body after consuming this type of food?
-When it comes to detoxifying the body, in my opinion, the answer is very simple: enough water, lots of fruits and vegetables, food without preservatives and enough sleep. The body detoxifies itself every day through several organs: kidneys, lungs, skin, liver and digestive system, which is why most often no special preparations and supplements are needed, unless there is a specific health problem.
- Can you share with us a diet or eating plan that helps cleanse the body faster?
– In terms of a diet that would be fairly easy to follow, I would suggest the Mediterranean diet. It is considered one of the healthiest diets and includes easily accessible foods for our region: whole grains, legumes, lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, healthy fats like olive oil, and dairy products that are rich in probiotics.
3. Which foods should we avoid in the days after the holidays, and which ones should we include in our daily menu?
– As for the holidays, so in everyday life, I recommend everyone to eliminate foods with artificial colors and highly processed foods with lots of preservatives. For all other types of food, only balance is needed. 😊
- How to deal with bloating and heaviness in the stomach due to overeating?
– The easiest way to get rid of bloating and heaviness in the stomach caused by overeating is to introduce order into meals and reduce the amount, along with the already mentioned sufficient amount of water, fruits and vegetables. As for supplements, I would recommend using a probiotic, because overall health largely depends on digestive health, according to all recent research.
- How important is hydration in the cleansing process and are there any specific drinks or teas that are recommended?
– Hydration is the most important factor for normal functioning, it helps with the normal function of all organ systems, and also affects appetite. We often confuse the feeling of thirst with hunger, due to the proximity of the centers in the brain. However, we can live without water for a maximum of 3 days.
- Is it advisable to do a short fast (for example, 24 hours) to give the digestive system a rest?
– Short fasting is very individual, for some it can greatly help with self-control, while for others (most often women) it can increase levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
- What role does physical activity play in speeding up metabolism and eliminating toxins?
– Physical activity is a very important segment of the overall lifestyle, because it increases muscle mass. A sufficient amount of muscle mass also means a faster metabolism because muscle tissue burns more calories even at rest, unlike fat tissue. It also helps us maintain overall health, prevent many diseases, and improve coordination of movements.
- Are detox supplements necessary or can the same results be achieved with a natural diet?
-Most often, detoxification supplements are not recommended at all, unless it is a more serious health problem, where a doctor would recommend a supplement, which is usually natural.
- How do we build healthy habits that will prevent overeating and toxin accumulation in the future?
-To build healthy habits, we must first change our perception of food. Eating is one of the most common activities we do, and the quality of our life in the long term depends precisely on our food choices. We should not forget that we eat to live, not live to eat. ☺️
Bojana Stevcheska
English 
Macedonian