Caribbean News
JAMAICA: How To Have A Merry, Healthy Holiday Season
#MontegoBay, December 22, 2022 – Maintaining a healthy diet during the Christmas season is a challenge for many persons, including those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) who want to partake in the festivities without compromising their health.
Speaking with JIS News, Regional Dietitian for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Rosalee Brown, said that while some persons will choose to “feast or fast” this is not recommended.
She noted that maintaining a healthy balance is best as “the feasting and unrestrained eating often result in weight gain, regret and guilt”.
Mrs. Brown, who is a Caribbean certified diabetes educator, certified health and well-being coach, as well as a behaviour health professional, provided some tips and advice to help persons navigate the holiday season.
First, she said they should take preventative action by planning ahead and sticking to their healthy eating routines.
It is important for individuals with NCDs such as hypertension to ensure that they are taking their medication and resting for seven to eight hours nightly.
Mrs. Brown recommended that persons indulge in salads, particularly with dark green leafy vegetables, and avoid
starchy pastas.
“Control your intake of animal protein. It is traditional to have five meat dishes this time of year but it taxes the digestive system,” she pointed out.
Also, she advised persons to reduce their food portions and have their meals on smaller plates. “Do not overdo it,” she urged.
For those with special dietary requirements, Mrs. Brown said they should bring this to the awareness of the host or family member who is preparing the meal.
Those with hypertension should avoid high-sodium meals and alcohol.
As it relates to desserts, Mrs. Brown recommended utilising high-fibre ingredients when making cakes and cookies, for example, using oatmeal instead of baking flour.
She said there are also high-fibre/low-sugar cakes that persons can order for their table or offer to take along when they are invited to dinner.
“Give your tastebuds a chance. Use the season to acquire the sugar-free taste. Try having unsweetened sorrel, sugar-less teas and unsalted raw nuts,” Mrs. Brown further suggested.
For those who are emotional eaters, the dietitian advised that they should be mindful of eating triggers.
“Sad experiences tend to resurface at this time of year; the passing or absence of a loved one can trigger unhealthy snacking and binging,” she pointed out.
Also, she is imploring persons not to hesitate to visit the emergency room if they do not feel well.
Mrs. Brown is encouraging persons not to be overwhelmed but to focus on making gradual lifestyle changes.
She said that they should approach the holiday season in a positive way.
“Don’t be negative by saying, ‘oh I can’t eat this or that’. Say ‘I am choosing to eat healthy ad I am enjoying the new taste I have acquired’,” she said.
Contact: Sharon Earle
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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