How To Recover From Holiday Eating
I can remember being at holiday parties and starting to dabble in the snacks. Let the games begin! It always seemed like things were under control until a few appetizers, an entire dinner and several desserts later. With all of the gatherings, treats and leftovers, eating too much during the holidays can be summed up by “it happens”.
If you just experienced a season of indulgence, you’re probably hoping to lose what you gained. Here are some healthy, and easy, ways to bounce back from holiday gluttony.
Get The Right Amount Of Sleep
Have you ever noticed that when you don’t sleep well, you don’t eat well? That’s no coincidence. Sleep restriction boosts a signal that may increase the pleasure and satisfaction gained from eating. One study found that people who were sleep-deprived consumed, on average, about 385 extra calories per day. Make it a priority to get the right amount of sleep so that you feel refreshed, clear-headed and ready to make good food choices the next day.
Fill Up On Fiber
Eat more fiber! Fiber rich foods are great because that they not only fill you up faster and keep you satisfied longer, they also prevent your body from absorbing some of the calories in the foods you eat. Fiber binds with fat and sugar molecules as they travel through your digestive tract, which reduces the number of calories you’ll take in.
Walk It Off
Almost anyone can find a way to walk more every day. Take the stairs, set a goal on your Fitbit, use a treadmill, park at the far end of the parking lot or visit local trails. Walking is an activity that can really make a difference over time and help burn calories. Walking also has multiple health advantages, it can help melt holiday pounds and it has significant stress-relieving benefits. Stress can contribute to unhealthy food choices, and binge eating, so reduced stress is another great way to help get your diet back on track.
Cut Out Sugary Drinks
Have you ever read the label on processed juices and soda bottles? Liquid calories are still calories and they add up quickly to sabotage your weight loss efforts. If you have a soda habit or just love juice, giving it up can make a big difference in a short time.
Try Fasting
Several studies show that intermittent fasting may boost weight loss. Fasting is a great way to gain control over your cravings plus, it’ll clear the fog that comes from holiday feasting. If you haven’t tried it yet, you may be surprised at how easy it is once you get used to eating less.
Make Detox Water
Drinking water throughout the day is key to weight loss. Drinking water helps boost your metabolism, cleanse your body of waste, and acts as an appetite suppressant. Adding elements that help the body detox like lemons, limes, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper and aloe can prove effective and make your water less boring.
Drink Tea
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy tea throughout the day. Tea promotes overall wellness and can help decrease belly fat and improve gut function. If you’re new to tea, find out more about the health benefits of various types of tea with our useful guide!
Give Up Drinking Alcohol
With the holiday season over it’s time for resolutions and cutting back on alcohol is a great one. Drinking alcohol inhibits weight loss and adds extra calories into your diet. Alcoholic drinks are often referred to as “empty” calories because they provide your body with calories but contain very few nutrients. Set a goal for a certain amount of days or months that you’ll stay alcohol-free and stick with it. Become the designated driver for a little while, your friends will love you for it and you’ll save on Uber fees.
It’s totally normal to overeat during the holidays, it’s half the fun of the season! But with a new year underway it’s a great time to make meaningful changes in your life and all of these little things can add up to a healthier you.
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