Cape Town - It is the season to overindulge – 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 these holidays is bound to happen – with an abundance of food, tipple, friends and free time, it’s no wonder that the holiday aftermath leaves us feeling (and smelling) a little overindulged.
But fear not, here are a few easy steps to help you bounce back from caloric meals, a few too many drinks and smelly nibbles.
Start your morning with movement
Exercise helps activate that lovely feel-good chemical, serotonin, which not only regulates your mood, but makes you feel happier and as a result, assists you in making healthier choices. Why not go for an early evening walk? Get some fresh air, get those lovely legs moving and let your body know that it needs to burn, burn, burn those extra calories!
Keep your regular routine
Now nobody is saying rise at the crack of dawn for no reason. However, experts agree that routines can be both calming and important in getting back on track after overindulgence. If you snap back to your regular structure and routine, your body will take care of itself. Your refreshed body and a positive state of mind will be thanks enough later.
Bring on a healthy breakfast
Kick start your day with a light, healthy breakfast – throw in some greens, freshly squeezed juice and some protein to equip your body with solid goodness to carry you through the day.
Let there be light
By getting bright light early in the morning, your body realizes that it is the end of a sleeping pattern and that it’s time for the body to wake up. Open those curtains, sit outside and have your morning tea and soak up the good stuff.
Banish the B.O (body odour)
Not only does overindulgence bloat our bellies, plump our thighs and drain our energy, many of the most delicious food and drinks we’ve wolfed down over the holidays are laden with garlic and strong smelling ingredients. No doubt that there is nothing more delicious than bottomless wine and beer, garlic bread fresh out of the oven or warm cheesy, garlic and onion pizza! While delicious, these indulgences can leave you smelling a little past the sell-by date.
We get bad breath from garlic and onions because when we eat them, the digestion process releases sulphur compounds which are not expelled by our intestines. They are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. From here, these ominous odours whizz through our body, into the lungs and sweat glands - that's why gum and mouth don't help. One of the quickest and most effective cures for garlicky breath is Garlict capsules - which work in about 20 minutes.
Sip Up
When it comes to trying to get back into balance after binge eating and drinking, the best thing to do is hydrate. Long days of sun, sangrias and sandwiches can leave you bloated, depleted, and lethargic. Try to keep a nice big water bottle with you during the day. Avoid salty foods and snack on pretzels or chips, rather reach for fruit, yoghurt or nuts.