You’re bloated, excessively tired and have had enough fudge and cookies to stock the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. It sounds like you’re thoroughly enjoying the holiday season ““ and that’s what it’s all about it! So instead of feeling guilty for the gluttony, get to work undoing the damage.
What’s the damage? My eyes are puffy, that holiday glow is long gone…and why does my breath stink?
Sip on water. Whether you had too many drinks at last night’s company Christmas party or were up late scoring deals on last-minute gifts, the first thing you should do in the morning is drink water. Whether you feel it or not, your body is dehydrated from not consuming anything for the last 7-8 hours. Purify your system with good, clean H2O. Plus, you’ll help clear out those bad-breath bacteria that no one wants when they’re greeting their sleep mate “good morning.”
What’s the damage? I may have had one too many seasonal cravings…but pumpkin-spiced scones only come out once a year!
Sweat it out. Of course you know that exercise burns those regretted calories. But increasing your heart rate can also lift your spirits, which does wonders for your sanity this time of year. Aim for an A.M. workout to avoid any evening distractions and allow your body to completely unwind at the end of the day. Slept through the alarm? You can still sneak in these fun wintry workouts. (Sorry, no rest for the weary.)
Slice portions in half. Okay, 50% is an exaggeration. Unless you’ve really been feasting through the festivities, simply downsizing a little at each meal will help you get back to your fighting weight. Play a few mind games, too, (endurance athletes are really good at these) such as eating from a salad plate instead of a full-sized dinner dish.
What’s the damage? Between shopping, wrapping and traveling, I’m just too tired to work out.
Start your day with a smoothie. Those pumpkin-spiced scones aren’t very forgiving — nor energizing. Give your body a pleasant awakening with an antioxidant-rich breakfast smoothie. Think blueberries, flaxseeds, kale and honey. These nutritional powerhouses will power you up for a workout, and you’ll never get bored of the endless smoothie combinations.
Sleep it off. Getting more Zzzs will help the body repair and work to regulate hunger. When you’re short on slumber, your brain screams “feed me!” to stay alert. And what do you do? You either double-fist shots of 5-Hour Energy with a gigantic skim latte or you mindlessly munch on junk all day. Break the cycle and GO TO BED! This doesn’t mean hitting the hay at 8 p.m., but try 30 minutes earlier than usual. You can thank me when you’re not falling off the treadmill tomorrow.