Finding the Balance Post Holiday Indulgences
If you’re like most of the neighbors, you’re coming off of a week where overindulging was the accepted form of celebration. Where we all need a splurge every now and then, for many, finding a post holiday balance can be a little daunting, especially with Christmas, and all the festivities surrounding it, just around the corner. Here are a few tips to help you recover from holiday indulgences and find the balance again.
- Drink Dandelion Tea – This tea is amazing for reducing initial swelling and/or bloating that comes from travel and overeating especially salt. Dandelion stimulates the liver, promoting activation of detoxification proteins – which is what you want after consuming foods outside your normal routine. Dandelion tea can be found in most grocery stores. A great brand is Traditional Medicinals.
- Eat More Vegetables – This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how out of balance our Fat, Sugar, and Carbohydrate consumption can be around the holidays. Missing these superfoods can keep you not feeling or looking your best for the holidays. Fatigue and stress are two of the most common complaints during the Christmas season and eating a variety of vegetables is an easy way to supply your body with the nutrients it needs for optimal vitality as well as detoxification. If you struggle to meet your daily requirements of vegetables, don’t discount adding in a high quality greens powder or consuming vegetable smoothies. They are an excellent way to increase nutrient density in your diet.
- Eat at Home – This is extremely important to getting back on track post holidays. Eating out supplies so many hidden calories, sugar, fat, and SALT. All of these can upset your internal homeostasis, adding extra weight and fatigue. Eating out also often kills your ability to have variety in your diet. If you’re having a difficult time getting into your routine again, try picking up some good prepared foods at your grocery store rather than eating out. Whole Foods, Central Market, Sprouts, and even HEB often have healthier options in their prepared food bars that make it easier to shop for convenience without compromising your health.
- Count Calories – Following holiday indulgences, having calorie awareness is very helpful in losing any holiday weight gain while also reigning things in to prevent further bloat and excess pounds. It’s all about balance – remember 1 pound of weight is equal to 3500 calories. According to the research from the Calorie Control Council, most Americans consume 4500 calories at their Thanksgiving meal alone! This doesn’t include the days following when overeating continues with leftovers. It’s not uncommon to see someone gain several pounds over this holiday alone. With some simple moderation of calories following the festivities, getting back to balance is possible. Most people require roughly 1500-1800 calories to maintain their weight without the addition of physical activity. Reducing calories down to 1200-1500 per day while increasing energy expenditure through moderate exercise can be a simple way to offset the indulgences of the holiday season.