5 Ways to Bounce Back After the Indulgent Season
The December holidays were indeed the season to overindulge – mince pies for breakfast, wine before lunch, and tables bursting at the seams with festive treats. Your chances of overdoing during the holidays are extremely high, in fact, it’s almost expected! With an abundance of food, tipple, friends and free time, it’s no wonder that the holiday aftermath leaves us feeling a little overindulged. So how do you bounce back from all the craziness and tackle 2018 with a vengeance? Here are just 5 ways to bounce back after the indulgent season.
Don’t cry over spilt milk
There is no point in beating yourself up over how many Quality Street chocolates you shoved down your pie hole or that you finished the whole holiday’s champagne allowance in one brunch. That was then. Start your year with a fresh start and a new vision of a more balanced daily routine for the New Year.
Start your morning with movement
According to psychologist Susan Albers, New York Times bestselling author of EatQ, exercise helps activate that lovely feel-good chemical, serotonin, which not only regulates your mood, but makes you feel happier and as a result, assists you in making healthier choices. Why not go for an early evening walk? Get some fresh air, get those lovely legs moving and let your body know that it needs to burn, burn, burn those extra calories!
Bring on a healthy breakfast
Kick start your day with a light, healthy breakfast – throw in some greens, freshly squeezed juice and some protein to equip your body with solid goodness to carry you through the day.
Banish the B.O (body odour)
Not only does overindulgence bloat our bellies, plump our thighs and drain our energy, many of the most delicious food and drinks we’ve wolfed down over the holidays are laden with garlic and strong smelling ingredients. No doubt that there is nothing more delicious than bottomless wine and beer, garlic bread fresh out of the oven or warm cheesy, garlic and onion pizza! While delicious, these indulgences can leave you smelling a little past the sell-by date. After your munch, swallow 2 Garlict capsules (Available at Pick n Pay Pharmacies – 30 capsules R98,95) with some liquid and say goodbye to bad breath in 20 minutes.
Get plenty of sleep
Now don’t cringe, but you need to start getting a good solid night’s rest again so that you don’t feel like a sloth after the holidays. Also, avoid alcohol after dinner as it is known to disturb your REM sleep, and no PVR marathons or Netflix just before bed – according to Dr Ojile, the blue light emitted by these devices “suppresses melatonin, causing you to stay awake longer.” To ensure a good night’s sleep, make sure you start “winding down” before you touch down on your pillow, switch off all electronics, have a nice warm drink and chill baby!
So here’s to a New Year and a new you!