The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year! We have the opportunity to stay with our families and friends, and without questioning is the time to eat, drink, and be merry!
Too much champagne, chocolate truffles, turkey and Pigs in blankets over the Christmas period can make you feel bloated and overweight; it’s like your whole body is screaming for you to stop!
If you feel like you have overindulged over the holidays or want to start the year feeling fresh, we’ve got some great tips to help you get started.
1. Eat plenty of fibre
Fibre helps move food through your body. Grains, cereals, brown bread, wholemeal pasta, fresh fruit and vegetables help move food through the digestive system, and they will provide energy too. Aim to consume 25-35g of fibre per day.
2. Get your protein fix
Protein is essential for muscle gain and maintenance. Having an adequate amount will ensure your body recovers efficiently from exercise. Protein is also very satiating and will keep you fuller for longer. This will stop you from reaching for those snacks between meals.
3. Hydrate your body
Drinking water throughout the day is essential to ensure your body functions properly. Before leaving the bed in the morning, try and consume a big glass of water. This will help start your body moving and rehydrate you after sleep. Aim to drink between 3-4 litres of water per day. This can also come from other drinks, such as fruit juices or teas. However, try and make sure the majority comes from water.
4. Get enough sleep
Sleep is the most underrated and underappreciated tool for your body’s recovery. Your body repairs whilst it are resting, and if you’ve pushed your body too hard over the festive period, now is a great time to pull back and let your body recover.
This will have a knock-on effect on your mood, your energy levels and your digestion, to name just a few. Aim to get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
5. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is a way of eating that contains shorter periods and more extended periods where no calories are consumed. Typically, you fast for 16 hours (usually with the bulk whilst you’re asleep) and eat through an 8-hour window.
This method of eating allows your body to rest between meals. You’ll probably get fuller quicker, so you’ll reduce your calorie intake. This can be an excellent method to lose weight if fat loss is your goal.
MOST IMPORTANT do not forget that doing some exercise several times a week will dramatically improve how your body looks, feels and moves!
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