The holidays and new year are great opportunities to enjoy quality time with loved ones, reflect and practice gratitude. But they’re also occasions that invite us to overindulge, consume more alcohol, put physical activity on the back burner and throw out self-care routines. When that big holiday meal leaves you feeling lethargic and guilty this year, get back on track with this post-holiday detox plan.
DRINK LEMON WATER
Start your day the morning after that holiday meal with a warm glass of water and lemon. Lemon is a natural cleansing fruit and kickstarts your digestion and metabolism. Have a glass first thing in the morning before your morning coffee and breakfast. Make it a part of your morning routine even after the holiday season. Take a water bottle with you everywhere. Sip on the lemon water throughout the day. Your body will thank you. Its revitalizing and hydrating effects can be felt in as little as one day.
PACK IN THE GREENS
Adding more green leafy vegetables into your diet can fight belly bloat, relieve stress, support bone health, healthy aging, boost digestive enzymes, and tame the toxins, among many other health benefits. Adding super greens and bitter herbs is a great way to assist your body’s natural detoxification process. Also, be sure to stock up on your cruciferous veggies, including cabbage, broccoli, and kale, as they are rich in cleansing with sulfur-containing compounds.
PRACTICE SELF CARE
- Sleep – get as much rest as possible during a detox. At least 8 hours of sleep a night
- Sit in a quiet environment for at least 10 minutes a day and observe and practice slow, steady breathing for a count of 8 in and 8 out in order to optimize lung detox
- Sweat – exercise, sit in a sauna or a hot epsom salt bath to encourage your skin to sweat out toxins and absorb a little magnesium
- Avoid emotional stressors, take a break from social media
FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Holiday indulgence often leads to increased inflammation in the body. You may notice achy joints, sore muscles, cramping, fatigue, bloating, or swelling. If your situation is not chronic, it may be due to inflammatory foods and drinking alcohol. Supplements like Curcumin, Capsaicin, Fish Oil, Bromelain, and Quercetin are excellent for reducing inflammation. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of several dangerous, chronic medical conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and type 2 diabetes. Using supplements to fight inflammation, eating a healthy diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods, and using anti-inflammation vitamins and minerals help reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of disease.
DRINK TEA
Swap your evening glass of wine for some herbal tea. Our favorites? Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint. Not only do they boast tons of anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, they are also extremely soothing and calming which is a must after all that holiday madness. Dandelion tea is also excellent for reducing swelling or bloating. It also significantly reduces water retention after a heavily salted diet. I add a little bit of buckwheat honey to my tea to sweeten it a bit and to add some antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The holidays are always filled with opportunities to let go and have fun. Indulging is part of it! It’s good for the soul to unwind and break free of your routine, especially with friends and loved ones. I hear all too often from one of my closest, that I need more of it.
But when I do, I always look forward to getting back that healthy, vibrant feeling, and looking well rested. Following these easy detox tips helps me get there a little quicker! If you need that radiant, red-carpet-glow before your next holiday event, book a Hydrafacial with Kitty! And bookmark this page for the day after!
