For many of us, it’s back to work/school after a few weeks of excessive eating and drinking thanks to the holiday season. However, all that eating and drinking lead to an excess of fat, carbs and sugar and this may cause you to end up feeling bloated and tired. If you are like me and your body has dropped out of the healthy zone and you may currently be struggling on your first day back to work.
Many people make resolutions at the beginning of the year to eat better and lose weight. Some people start with a restrictive diet, while some others are quick to participate in the 21-100 day fasting declared by some religious bodies in a bid to shed some holiday weight.
There are several benefits to cleansing your body after the festive period. Not only will it work to fight off the sluggish feeling it will also help you ease into a lifestyle change that you can carry on with throughout the year.
The good news is that you don’t need to agree to a restrictive meal plan to cleanse your body in the new year.
In recent years, pills, juices, bars and shakes have been promoted as a magical formula to do everything from improving your health and digestion to getting you back into your skinny jeans.
Most times, detox diets are nothing but liquid calories that do not contain the major nutrients our bodies need to function optimally. Following one of these cleanses often results in not consuming enough calories, which can leave you grumpy, hungry, and craving sugar, fat and carbs. In other words, starving yourself for a three-day juice fast may backfire in additional weight gain once completed.
Fasting doesn’t support the body’s natural detox pathway. Our bodies are designed to clean from the inside; removing unwanted material daily through our liver, lungs and kidneys. Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber will help your body’s detox pathway function optimally — more than any pill or supplement could.
If you’re motivated to start the year out right, follow these five simple tips for a healthy start to the new year.
Get moving
Breaking a sweat naturally eliminates impurities through the skin. Exercise stimulates our blood circulation and lymphatic system, which moves fluid through our liver and kidneys for filtration. While running, walking and biking are great aerobic activities, anything that allows you to move your body works. This means you don’t have to spend any money on a gym membership, the key is finding a form of movement you enjoy and sticking with it.
Stay hydrated
All that booze over the holidays is likely to have caused some dehydration so it’s important to rehydrate. Fluids help flush out our system, and maintain energy and focus. Especially now that we are in harmattan season it’s even more important to drink up. Remember that water is your best friend but you can also Try hot green or herbal tea, warm lemon water, to help reach your hydration goals.
Focus on fiber
A balanced diet containing whole, plant-based foods makes it easy to reach the 25-38 grams a day recommendation for fiber. High fibre foods include avocado, garden eggs, cucumber, carrots, garri, corn/maize and oatmeal. Bear in mind that this may cause you to go to the toilet more often and more easily, so If you are not used to a high-fiber diet, introduce these foods slowly and to prevent any intestinal discomfort.
Eat whole foods
A diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds is full of the nutrients needed to support metabolic processes. In addition to an overall balanced diet, you can include certain foods that aid and promote the body’s natural detoxification process. Avocados, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, leafy greens, garlic, green apples, lemon and lentils should get the job done.
Reduce sugar intake
Cutting down the sugar is also important for detox. Your body is tired and consuming sugar will force your body to work to produce more insulin. So, give your body some rest by lowering the amount of sugar you eat.
I’m sure making money is a major goal for many of us, but remember that you have to be in good health so you can be productive enough to get that money. So this year take care of your body and eat healthily.
