As the glittering lights of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations fade away, many of us find ourselves grappling with the aftermath of indulgent feasts and festive treats. Our festive indulgence often impacts our nutrition intake.
The excesses of the holiday season may leave us yearning for a reset, especially for our gut health. The key is to reset soon and embark on a journey to revitalize our diet with nutrition and nurture our gut to kickstart the new year.
Here are five simple ways to ensure one is back on track towards having a healthy routine.
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Prioritize Fibre-Packed Food
After weeks of holiday feasting, our digestive system may require fibre-rich food. Whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are fantastic sources of fiber that help regulate digestion and maintain bowel regularity. One must swap refined grains for their whole counterparts, include a variety of colorful vegetables in each meal, and experiment with different beans and lentils. This can be highly beneficial to our gut health.
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Embrace Probiotic-Rich Foods
The aftermath of festive feasts may leave our digestive system feeling sluggish. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into our diet is the best way to support our gut health. One must choose lean proteins and incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt for gut health. These foods introduce beneficial bacteria into our gut, promoting a balanced microbiome and aiding digestion. One must consider starting the day with a refreshing bowl of yogurt topped with fruits and nuts for a delightful and gut-friendly breakfast. Further, one must eat meals slowly, savor each bite, and pay attention to the body’s hunger and fullness cues.
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Enjoy in Moderation
The key to gradually coming back to a healthy routine is moderation. Stringent restriction may trigger binge eating. Therefore, eating mindfully and in moderation can help an individual cut on unnecessary calories, thereby sticking to a routine. Portion control can significantly be helpful while trying to avoid unhealthy food.
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Hydrate Mindfully
Proper hydration is essential for our gut health. While it is tempting to prefer caffeinated or sugary beverages, sticking to water, herbal teas, and infused water can be immensely beneficial. Hydration aids digestion, helps transport nutrients, and supports the overall functioning of our body. Herbal teas improve liver function and help us stay hydrated.
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Stay Active
The last and most important thing to do is stay active or even increase physical activity post-holidays. This can help counteract the extra calories one must have gained during the holidays. Regular physical activity can help an individual stay motivated with improved energy levels.
Returning to our diet immediately after days of feasting over unhealthy food is important to break the cycle of unhealthy eating. Gradual and small steps towards healthy eating can help individuals improve their health and stay focused. To get expert advice on restarting diet after the holiday season, CLICK HERE.
