Banish Post Holiday Guilt

Do you feel like you went a little overboard during the holidays? Well, welcome to the club, because you are certainly not alone!  I ate the cookies and the cannoli this week, but today I’m hitting my reset button and you can too!  This morning I revved up the blender and made a delicious green smoothie with some raw cacao (mmm my favorite).

The holidays can topple even the healthiest lifestyles. You sleep at odd hours, eat at times that are far from ideal, and when you do eat, it’s normally whatever’s being served to you. Exercise takes a backseat to party hopping. Of course, these indulgences are what make the holidays fun!

But when the calendar flips to January 1, talk of resolutions can conspire with your too-tight jeans to make you feel guilty for having such a good time. Here’s the thing: beating yourself up can’t turn back the clock and undo your actions, so it’s best to look ahead! Here are some simple steps to get back on your healthful track.

Eat Breakfast

After a holiday free-for-all you might not even want to think about food. As tempted as you may be to skip breakfast, don’t. Forgoing the most important meal of a day does more harm to your body than good. Skipping breakfast can lower blood pressure, increase mood swings and decrease physical and mental capacity to perform everyday tasks. It also sets you up to overeat later in the day. Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to jumpstart your health revival.

Avoid Processed Foods and Snacks

Avoid packaged snacks like chips and popcorn and go organic by taking a handful of raw walnuts and almonds. Focus on snacks packed with fiber like fresh fruits and vegetables. In short, opt for whole food snacks in moderation.

Drink Plenty of Water

A well-hydrated body burns more calories than a dehydrated one. Drink lukewarm water throughout the day. This will help sweep away extra salt, sugar and toxins from the blood; an unhealthy aftermath of holiday fun. Add green tea in your diet as it helps detoxify the body, making you feel lighter and invigorated.

Move Your Body

Introduce any kind of physical activity that you love. Call a friend and book a tennis match. Swim with a loved one or jog with your dog. Dedicate at least 30 minutes of your day to increase your physical activity. This will not only relax your mind but would also help soothe your soul. You will feel happier by becoming healthier.

Pamper Yourself

If you associate fun with only food, you have yet to visit a massage therapist! Try getting a sauna or steam bath and pamper yourself with a fresh juice drink and a body rejuvenating massage. Cancel your restaurant reservation and instead book yourself a non-food treat that can do your body some permanent good.

Remember: There is nothing that time, mindful attention and action cannot heal. All you need to do is to take it slow and go in the right direction.  By eating right, sleeping well, and maintaining a certain amount of physical activity every day, you can kiss post-holiday guilt goodbye, for good.  

If you need help with accountability I’ve got several options for you. There is a group starting my Winter Detox on January 15th. This whole foods program will have you hopping off the diet roller coaster, releasing excess weight, revving up your metabolism, and glowing in 11 simple days. Or how about my 60 Day Grain Free Transformation program? Have you ever wondered if grains or gluten might be the culprit with some of your health issues? Come join our group that is starting on January 1st or be a trailblazer and snag all the goods now.

Maybe you want something that will allow you to work on your health and happiness goals, but don’t really want to commit to a detox or a grain free program. Check out my New Year New You program and join the group that will be starting on January 5th. Of course there are always one on one options too.

I know talk of a detox or going grain free might sound a bit scary. But, you know it’s not just about the food right? It’s about lifestyle. Breaking free of stress. Bursting with joy. Filling yourself up with passion, and following your dreams. That’s why all of my programs incorporate mindfulness, connecting with your heart and letting go of stress. Contact me today and we can talk about which option might be best for you.