Regaining Your Health After The Holidays
Undeniably, the highlight during the holidays is food and lots of it!
The festivities of the new year are filled with lots of irresistible food in every region. This year has been a rough one, so another serving of chocolate pudding won’t hurt. The type of food you eat impacts your mental state and can quite literally change your mood. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal what you eat can change your mood based on how it reacts with your gut bacteria. In this article, we will go over some simple eating habits for after the holidays so you can make sure that how you are eating is benefiting your mental health, not hurting it.
Binge eating on the holidays can make you gain a little holiday weight, or change your diet during the month-long holidays. You have to admit, not all food choices over the holidays are good for you and are often unhealthy.
It can get difficult to go back to healthy living, but here are some tips on regaining your healthy living after the holidays:
Indulge in moderation
When trying to alter your diet, moderation is key rather than going cold turkey on carbs and sweets right away. There is no harm in having a sweet or two once or twice a week. The more you deprive yourself of your cravings, the more likely it is that you will potentially rebound and eat more. Moderation is key in regaining your health after the holidays.
Track your water intake
Our bodies are made up of 60% of water, and we must ensure we keep ourselves well-hydrated. According to Harvard Medical School, this means drinking at least 6 glasses per day to avoid thirst and dehydration. If you are living a more active lifestyle such as intense workouts and races, you should be drinking more water.
Water not only helps you stay hydrated but helps regulate temperature and encourage regular bowel movements.
Buy only what you need at the grocery store
Before heading to the supermarket, have a list of things to buy and try to choose healthier options, such as low fat for full cream milk, and butter instead of margarine.
Try to plan ahead of time the dishes you would like to cook, to avoid unnecessarily picking up donuts, ice cream, and chocolates, remember if you don’t bring it home, you won’t be able to eat it!
Incorporate vitamins in your meals
Some vitamins and minerals are essential to your diet – these play roles in having a healthy body and are even more important if you have health issues.
One trick is to adopt a colorful plate. Food items in color often are packed with nutrients such as blueberries, red tomatoes, yellow lemons, and green leafy vegetables. Make sure you are getting adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.
Engage in exercise
Try to be active for at least 30 minutes per day, at least 3 times per week to gain optimum health. You do not have to do vigorous or strenuous exercises, but a brisk walk or cycling are enough to get the blood moving and will help burn some calories.
Exercise is a cheap lifestyle modification for regaining your health after the holidays. Rather than signing up for a gym membership, exercise at home. Being active maintains normal blood pressure, aids in digestion, and promotes good blood flow, to name just a few benefits.
Limit your alcohol intake
Just like your other indulgences, alcohol may be taken but in moderation. It is poor in nutrients and high in calories. Additionally, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and liver problems.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are low in calories, high in nutrients and vitamins. Instead of eating chips or baked pastries, have fruits or vegetables for your snack. These are also rich in fiber, promoting good digestion and normal bowel movements.
After a holiday filled with fatty and oily foods, fruits and vegetables are a much healthier option.
Leave the holiday food
As tempting as it may sound to keep all the food and goodies to yourself, you might end up eating them by yourself. To help you, pack takeaway bags for your guests to send them home with, so you don’t end up with all the sweets.
Do not worry about not being able to get back to your routine immediately, we all adapt at our own pace. If you find yourself stuck, it may be that not eating the right food is a factor as it can affect your mood and brain chemistry.
Whenever you feel stressed and worried, know that you are not alone. Contact MindShift Psychological Services near me, which provides guidance in Riverside, California, Corona, California, and Los Angeles, California. Individual Therapy and Group Therapy near me might help you learn effective anxiety and stress management skills. Choose MindShift Psychological Services and begin your journey towards the brighter side of life.
