Food is the best part of the festive season. Food prepared during the festivities is usually weirdly delicious and in abundance, hence it is tempting to eat everything prepared as the festive season comes only once a year.
Moreover, it is no news that most people take a step back in their eating routine or diets during the holiday season because of the tempting delicious meals and snacks all over. Nonetheless, there is no cause for worry as it is possible to bounce back to a healthier eating lifestyle after devouring all the sweet cakes and alcohol during the festivities.
It is important to get our bodies back on track with nutritious meals to cleanse it. Here are a few ways to bounce back after overeating during the festivities.
Hydrate and Re-hydrate
Studies indicate that drinking water regulates body temperature, prevents infections, delivers nutrients to cells, keeps organs functioning properly, and flushes out excess salt and sugar from your system. Moreover, drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water daily may help to flush out toxins from the body, however, if 6-8 glasses of plain water seem too much to have, then you can prepare detox water by infusing cucumber, mint, and lemon in it. Furthermore, Brigitte Zeitlin, M.P.H., R.D., C.D.N recommends sparkling water or green tea for people who cannot stand plain water. Zeitlin further states that green tea is high in antioxidants, which can help fight the inflammation caused by too much sugar. She further explains that caffeine may help one feel more alert and less like a slug whereas ginger and peppermint tea do not have the same caffeine boost. However, the two contain properties that will relax your gastrointestinal tract, hence help in alleviating bloating, gas, and nausea.
Consume Naturally Sweetened Foods
Festivities are usually characterized by a lot of sugary treats. Eating naturally sweetened foods will help you bounce back from a sugar crash/hangover as much as it sounds counterintuitive. Studies explain that eating too much sugar may have you craving it more. Therefore, to deal with the craving, eat healthy sweet foods, like fruits.
Do Not Skip Mealtime to Make Up for What You Ate During the Holiday
Skipping meals or immediately reducing the amount of food you eat after the festivities is not advisable. It is safer and healthier to eat throughout the day to help regulate the body. Likewise, eating less than usual may lead to overeating because there is a chance of getting too hungry.
Stock Up on Healthy Meals
It is advisable to buy foods that come directly from nature, for example, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains among many more. When cleaning and stocking up your kitchen for the start of a new year after the Christmas festivities, look out for these healthy foods to avoid eating a lot of processed oil and fat.
Plan Ahead
To successfully bounce back into healthy eating habits after the festivities, try planning ahead. Make a healthy meal plan with some of your favorite dishes. Having a meal plan will encourage you to buy staples and healthy foods. It is also advisable to make your own food for at least one month after the festivities to avoid eating junk food or buying quick-fix foods. Most times, festive food is loaded with oil, extra salt, starch, and sugar. This food tends to be tasty but is not always the healthiest option. However, you can control the calories in home cooked meals by tailoring the ingredients and oil used. Besides, preparing nourishing meals at home such as lentils, salads or grilled foods is a satisfying and healthy experience. Nonetheless, it may be hard to follow the plan militantly, but you can mix it up with healthy treats, for instance raw vegan dessert that keeps you clear of junk and nourishes you.
Consume Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds may help to kick-start your digestion if you are feeling backed up or constipated. Eating too many diverse types of foods may cause constipation and stomach discomfort, thence having fiber rich meals may help fix such situations. However, studies suggest that eating more fiber exceeding the amount your body is used to can have the opposite effect. As such instead of relieving you, it may back you up even more. It advisable to consume no more than the recommended daily amount (25 to 30 grams for women) and follow it with lots of water.
Have the Right Mindset
Success can only be achieved if we have the right mindset when dealing with a specific plan or project. When it comes to healthy eating, you should embrace it and avoid thinking of it as deprivation but as a chance to cleanse your body and mind.
Also Read: Is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day?
Example of Foods to Help You Detox After the Festivities
Sweet Potato – you can switch from the normal Irish potatoes and eat the sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene that boosts the immune system and gives the body the energy it requires while increasing the metabolic rate.
Greens – ensure to have a vegetable on your plate as they are rich in fiber and contain enzymes that help improve digestion. Some of these vegetables include kale, broccoli, spinach, or lettuce in their diet.
Unsweetened Yoghurt – this yogurt is beneficial to your health as it provides protein, calcium, vitamins D, B6, B12, riboflavin, potassium, and magnesium.
Fruits – include at least one or two seasonal fruits in your diet. Berries, guavas, oranges, and pineapples contain vitamins and generate heat during the cold season. The fruits are also rich in antioxidants and help in boosting immunity.
Oily Fish – include fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines in your meal. These types of fish contain good fats that reduce inflammation and boost immune functioning. They also contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to increase metabolism.
Nevertheless, food is an important part of the festivities. Eating is great as well. However, balancing between what to consume during the festive season and after is what will determine a healthy eating habit. Therefore, ensure to include healthy food items in your diet, exercise as well as detox effectively after the festive season.