By Chris Boss
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December 27, 2017
Have you found that you have over-indulged this holiday season? Perhaps you have put on a few extra pounds from all those delicious holiday cookies and treats, or maybe your hectic holiday schedule has you feeling run down. It’s easy to fall into bad eating, exercising & sleeping habits this time of year. If you find that you are feeling less than healthy right now, don’t despair! Keep reading for some simple tips on how to hit the reset button, and get your energy back after the holiday season. 1. Get Moving: Join a gym, or simply lace up those sneakers and take a nice walk. After dinner is the perfect time for a refreshing stroll. Not only will this aid in digestion, but you’re also burning calories, and building muscle. As a bonus, many homes are still displaying holiday lights this time of year, which you can admire on your walk. 2. Drink More Water: Drinking water before meals can help aid in giving you a sensation of fullness, which will help to prevent you from overeating. Drinking water in between meals can help stave off the feeling of hunger, causing you to snack less. Drinking more water will also help flush excess sodium, which can reduce bloating & constipation. 3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Getting a full, undisturbed 7-8 hours of sleep will leave you feeling refreshed and alert the next day. You’ll find that your mood & memory will improve, and it can help aid in weight loss, or help you to maintain a healthy weight. 4. Purge the Sweets: If you find that you have been left with an abundance of cookies and candy laying around after the holidays, ditch it! Offer it to your friends, your co-workers, or throw it out if you must. Having these foods at arm’s reach will only make it easier for you to over indulge. 5. Avoid Alcohol: A sip of bubbly on New Year's Eve won’t do too much harm, but Americans, in general, tend to over-do it when it comes to “holiday spirits”. Give your body a break and reduce or eliminate alcohol. Try a “dry January” by avoiding alcoholic drinks for the month of January. Swap out beer & cocktails for a refreshing and tasty glass of carbonated water with slices of lemons & limes, or relax in the evening with a cozy cup of herbal tea instead of a glass of wine. 6. Eat Clean: Vegetables, lean proteins, more vegetables, fruits, nuts & whole grains (in moderation) are all key in getting your weight, mood, and energy levels back on track after the holidays. Avoid eating prepared foods & restaurant meals, since you can’t always control how much fat and sugar they add to your food. If you have questions about what you can and can’t eat, or the best foods for your weight loss goals & medical needs, contact your physician or nutritionist for dietary advice. The holiday season is a joyous time. We are often happy for the opportunity to visit with friends and family and enjoy good company, indulgent treats, and an adult beverage or two. If the merriment of the season has you feeling lethargic, bloated, run down, or just plain sick, take the time to hit the reset button and get your mind and body back on track.