We're a week into 2019. You're still feeling those Christmas mince pies and your 5000 calorie diet. Never again you say to yourself. You pick up your phone and as you scroll through social media you're met with ad after ad promising "Lose 10 pounds in 2 days", "Drop 2 sizes with out New Year body Cleanse" and more. It's everywhere. Oh how tempting it is. But fear not! You don't need the fad diets to get back into shape. It just takes a little planning. Here are my 5 quick tips for getting over the festive celebrations.
TIP 1 - FOOD CHOICES
Its time to put down the tin of roses and start getting some quality food (not Quality Street) back into your system again. Think veggies and fruits so that your getting important vitamins and fibre into your body again; lean proteins like chicken, lean beef and Kerrigan's turkey burgers. These will help you feel full quicker. Combine with quality fats like avocado and nuts. You do not need to starve yourself or deny yourself food. A slight calorie deficit (reduction of food) along with good choices will have you feeling great again in no time.
TIP 2 - WATER
No doubt you are very dehydrated from alcohol, maybe your constipated from all the processed foods? Don't worry, H20 will always have your back. Get back to drinking at least 2 litres of water a day and after a few days you will already be feeling a lot better.
TIP 3 - EXERCISE
Get moving. Don't get too bogged down with what exactly you should be doing to kick off, just try sweat a little every day. Maybe it's an at home circuit, an outdoor walk, swimming, or just heading to the gym to life weights. Pick something you enjoy and be consistent with it. Also make things interesting for yourself by mixing up your exercises - this will keep you motivated. Exercise should be fun! The more you get into it you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
TIP 4 - IMPROVE YOUR MOOD
For a lot of us January is the month we start feeling a little blue. There are ways we can naturally boost are own serotonin level (happy hormone) to help keep the positive vibes up.
Eating more high protein foods such as chicken, beef, fish, eggs, yogurts, nuts and beans have high levels of an amino acid called tryptophan which aids boosting your serotonin levels.
There is no better way to get the mood up than with exercise. Get outdoors if you can. Not only will you increase your serotonin levels from exercise alone but you'll get the added bonus of natural vitamin D from the sunlight which will also help increase levels too.
TIP 5 - GO EASY ON YOURSELF
A few days of eating and drinking what you want will not ruin months of hard work. If you have gained weight that's okay! When you follow the these tips, get into a routine and set goals you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. If you are only now embarking on a healthier lifestyle don't fall prey to silly fad diets, find something that is sustainable long term so that you can enjoy your life along the way.
