What to do after an overindulgent weekend
I was in Los Angeles last weekend and that meant that my usual routine was thrown off. There was more eating out, more drinking, and less sleep than I normally have (plus a decent amount of fun ;) ). I imagine a few of you were feeling that same way after Halloween weekend or will be feeling that way in the upcoming weeks as we go through the holiday season. So below I am sharing my tactics that help me quickly get back to feeling like myself. None of these are overly extreme and are meant to help you build a sustainable lifestyle that includes plenty of room for fun, adventure, and indulgence. They are simple things that you can do to help ensure that one day, one weekend, or one month, doesn’t sabotage your overall health goals.
Gain some perspective - One weekend or even one week won't make you unhealthy (just like one weekend will not make you healthy). What you do consistently over time is what matters, so please do not beat yourself up or feel guilty.
Move your body - Get up and do something good for your body. I know that it can be tempting to just sit on the couch and lounge, but getting some light movement will immediately help you feel better.
Drink water - Probably my number 1 tip after an indulgent weekend. Hydrating will help with digestion and bloat and will ensure that you are not eating because you are actually dehydrated instead of hungry.
Get some greens - After an overindulgent weekend, I like to start my Monday with a big green juice. Beyond the benefits of all the vitamins and minerals, it makes me feel like I am doing something good for my body. Also, be sure to include plenty of vegetables at your meals - the fiber will help with digestion, and will you make you feel full faster.
Eat protein - Do not skip meals, but instead focus on filling your plate with healthy protein (as well as lots of vegetables). The protein will help you feel full and work to regulate your body sugar.
Cook your meals - If you are sleep deprived and not feeling your best, you probably do not want to be in your kitchen cooking. But as we have talked about before, making your meals at home is one of the best ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. You have control over the ingredients, the cooking process, and the portion sizes. Resist the temptation of takeout and get back to making your own meals.
Consider cutting down on carbs - I will often cut back on carbohydrates for a day or two after overindulging and instead focus on filling my plate with protein and vegetables. I especially focus on cutting out any simple carbs and processed food, and stick with whole foods, which help me feel better and get my hunger levels and blood sugar back in control.
Don’t stress - Similar to the first point, don’t worry about it too much and just do your best to get back to your healthy habits. The goal is to create something sustainable and long lasting instead of the rollercoaster that so many people find themselves on. Simply rebound quickly and do the things that you know nourish your body and will make you feel good.
