Try this easy post-holiday detox
It’s amazing how the holiday spirit can inspire us to almost super-human feats of indulgence. Food is such an integral part of lifestyle and let's face it, everything seems to be on a larger scale during a holiday with friends and family.
There is nothing wrong with treating ourselves to a little gastronomic during a well-earned break. We all need the opportunity to let our hair down now and then and when friends and family are around, food and drink are a natural part of the equation. To balance the metabolic budget, however, why not consider some quick and easy detox ideas that you can take on board when the party is over.
Flush out the nasties
Salt is one of the main offenders found in festive fare and can have some negative health effects. It can cause retention of fluid in body tissue, which hinders the body from flushing out the nasties and can leave you feeling heavy and bloated. It is also linked to high blood pressure. One of the simplest remedies to help relieve the effects and getting things back in balance is to drink plenty of water. It helps the kidneys to get the flushing process going. Water also combats the effects of excessive alcohol intake, so it is a great first step. Aim for 8 glasses a day.
Beverages for better balance
Beyond water, there are some useful drinks that can help flush the system and combat excess fat consumption. Green tea is a great antioxidant tonic to help get your body fighting back. If you are a coffee drinker, why not swap the cappuccino for a green tea a few times a day for a couple of weeks after over-indulinging. You still get your caffeine fix along with the health benefits that green tea provides. A drop of organic honey can be added if you like a sweeter cuppa.
For an early morning pick-me-up detox drink add some ginger grated finely on a zester, along with some lemon juice to some water. It’s great for the liver, digestion, circulation and immunity. Grapefruit juice is another great day-starter and is packed with Vitamin C, which is ideal for getting the metabolism functioning.
Feeling dehydrated? Coconut water can help build up any electrolytes that have been stripped out, while also providing a hit of useful elements like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Drink it straight or add to smoothies.
What should you eat?
There is no need to go on a crash diet of crackers and cottage cheese after a holiday binge, but there are some simple rules to follow to help restore balance. It is best to give the rich foods a rest and take a break from red meat, wheat and dairy products in order to ease the pressure on your digestive system. Instead enjoy a poached eggs or smoothies for breakfast and vegetables, leafy greens, fish or chicken at lunch and dinner.
Watch your portion sizes too, as all those stomach stretching Christmas goodies may leave you feeling like you need to keep shovelling to fill the void. High protein foods will help counter that urge by making you feel fuller faster.
Get active
The detox process is naturally aided by exercise too, since excretions such as sweating are the body’s natural way of detoxifying. Of course no one is going to feel like massive gym sessions and running marathons at this time of year, but more gentle options like Yoga and walking and cycling are ideal. Try to go for at least 30 minutes a day to help shed those yuletide kilos. Combined with good hydration and healthier eating and you will also benefit from a clearer head and a more positive outlook, which helps you stay on track too.
Are you ready to combat the holiday binge? Leave a comment below.
Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of Wyza.