Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
How to recover from festive revelry
Overindulged during Christmas? Partied way too hardy? Here are ways you can bounce back 13
FESTIVE cheers, spending sprees and new recipes are what the last month has been all about. Over-indulgence was the phrase that paid. With mince pies for breakfast, wine before lunch, trifle for dessert, tables bursting at the seams with juicy turkey, gammon and an array of vegetables, gravies and festive treats.
Overdoing it during the holidays is inevitable – with an abundance of food, friends and free time. But, over-indulgence does more than “make us feel good”, it bloats our bellies, plumps our thighs and drains our energy. These indulgences can leave you smelling a little past the sell-by date.
These are a sure fire way to break the bank while adding those few kilos around the waist and hips. But fear not, experts have a few easy steps to help you “bounce back from caloric meals, a few too many drinks and divine nibbles,” and save a few rands and cents.
Firstly, accept that you have gone overboard, had one too many chocolate treats and spent a hefty portion of the month’s budget on one too many bottles of champagne for one night. Accept and embrace your over-indulgence, there is no point in “crying over spilt milk” as the old saying goes.
Loretta Atkinson, Neutrapharm’s Business Development Director advises to, “start your year with a fresh start and a new vision of a more balanced daily routine.” Atkinson also told Weekend Argus that research has proven that “beating yourself up about the past is not effective.”
Then shake a tailfeather, get up and start your mornings with some exercise, this will help you get that “lovely feelgood chemical, serotonin, which not only regulates your mood, but makes you feel happier and, as a result, assists you in making healthier choices.”
Now, bouncing back from a few weeks of overindulgence does not come easy and most certainly does not mean completely throwing away your routine. Dr Joe Ojile, medical director and chief executive of the Clayton Sleep Institute, says that “structure is key”. If you snap back to your regular structure and routine, your body will take care of itself. “If your normal routine involved a morning workout, then wake up and hit the gym again baby! A six-pack isn’t going to build itself.”
While you are at it, remember not to soak up too much sunlight but drink as much water as possible. According to psychologist, Susan Albers, “Long days of sun, sangrias and turkey sandwiches can leave you bloated, depleted and lethargic. Try to keep a nice big water bottle with you during the day – if it’s in sight, trust me, you’ll be sipping.”