Get back into your Groove After the Holidays
Preparing for post holiday self-care ensures that an “off week” doesn’t turn into a month…or longer. When you’re in tune with your body and have a healthy routine, even small indulgences can upset the digestive system and leave you feeling puffy and moody. Your body is likely fighting some inflammation and begging you for the nutrient-packed foods it’s become accustomed to. Here are 8 tips to help you get healthy after the holidays.
Get all the leftovers out of the house
If any treats linger, toss them out. Once your refrigerator is empty, go to the store and stock up on your favorite fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and quality protein sources. It’s so much easier to eat according to your goals and what works for your body if those foods are your only option!
Put down the booze
It’s easy to slip into the habit of a nightly cocktail or glass of wine over the holidays. Alcoholic beverages increase inflammation, lower your willpower, and can make you feel sluggish in the morning. If it’s hard for you to resist an open bottle of wine when it’s in the house, dump it out! You’ll be back in the groove in a couple days and you’ll be glad it’s gone and not there to tempt you.
Pick up your normal exercise schedule again
If you got out of your normal routine, start it back up. Set your alarm, set out workout clothes, go to bed early so you wake up refreshed and ready to sweat!
Talk to your accountability partner, or get an accountability partner
Plan to meet your partner for a jog, go to the gym, or just check in to speak your intentions out loud. Share your meal plan with each other. There’s something very powerful about knowing a friend is depending on you!
Plan a healthy dinner that you love
It’s easier to stay on track that first day after the holidays if you plan a meal that you can look forward to. Check out some of the recipes in the 131 Method for ideas. Prep so it’s ready to go for dinner, or so you’ll have leftovers!
Drink extra water
Detoxing the body after splurging can take a few days and be dehydrating. Drinking extra water helps alleviate detox symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and body aches.
Ditch the guilt
If you went a little overboard during the holidays, don’t sweat it! In the grand scheme of things, one or two meals of feasting doesn’t negate all the great progress you have made. What you do after the holidays is what matters the most! Don’t focus on guilt, focus on what you can do now to treat your body in a positive way. Respect your body and give it what you know it needs.
Try Intermittent Fasting
Having specific times in which you eat, and fast, rests your digestive system, heals your gut and helps cut calories. It doesn’t have to be a crazy-long window. The best way to start is with a 12-hour eating window. That means you fast for 12-hours (and the bulk of those occur during sleep anyway). Once you master that, shrink your window to 10 hours, then again to eight.
