I would like to share a few things I do to detox and get ready prepared physically and mentally before holiday season sets in. I mention mentally here because lately I find the idea of vacationing gruelling minus the fun, recharging/relaxing bit of the holidays. The rest which involves things like planning the stay in the best possible way with booking the best flight deals to finding the most suited perfect hotel to booking transportations to making other reservations for the trip and so on and so forth. Especially, it gets even tougher when travelling in a bigger group with friends/family.
So for mental detoxing, great ways of recharging could be to engage in regular yoga, stretching, mediation, pool/ spa time and some quality ‘me time’ for a few days before the trip (though some of all these activities must be there on one’s wellness routine on a daily basis for staying grounded, centred and energised in today’s fast moving world).
Don’t keep packing for the last moment as that only adds to the stress levels.
The best way to calm down at any point is to take some deep breaths, detach from anything that is bothering you, get aware of your own breath, and get present in the ‘now’ moment. That will help you to just be, relax and ability to connect to the given situation with added calm and inner wisdom.
Well, so for physical detoxing pay close attention to what you are drinking and eating throughout the day, what vitamin supplements you are intaking and exercise routine and overall lifestyle.
To start the day with I prefer to have warm water with lime juice followed by decaffeinated green tea. This will aid in detoxification. Staying hydrated more than the usual 8/10 glasses of water is the key too.
I make this pitcher of detox water for myself for controlling cravings and preventing water retention which was recommended by my dietician. Take 4 oz of cold water, slices of cucumber, mint leaves, 1/2 sliced lemon and 1/2 sliced orange. In this recipe the mint eases digestion, cucumber is anti-inflammatory, and lemon helps clear the digestive tract. Keep sipping on this drink from time to time over the day.
For meals better to go for smaller portions of 5-6 in total over a day. I will start the day with carb and protein option for a breakfast, like porridge and milk for example. Then for mid morning, snack on half of a fruit or protein shake, followed by low cal lunch containing small portion of each of carb, protein and fibre. For evening snacks it will be again a combination of couple of healthy options like nuts and yogurt. Then for dinner it will be either again carb, protein and fibre or protein and fibre. At the end of the day, going for a piece of dark chocolate or 2 date balls will be delightful and will do no harm. Basically clean eating and avoiding junk food, desserts, sugar, sweets, saturated fats etc completely, will help to detox, recharge and restore energy level. An occasional weekend treat will do no harm though.
I think it’s really important to watch out for what you are snacking on when peckish in between main meals. Cut down on the crisps, fried food, etc and instead go for healthier options like dry fruits, nuts and others. Consciously replace any fattening/ high calorie option with a low fat or zero fat option.
Having a few cups of detox teas / green tea as you go along the day is also great for keeping you going.
I will usually commit to an exercise plan of at least 30 mins of cardio 5/6 days a week.
For vitamins and supplements stick to what you usually intake. For me I will just have a multi vitamin a day after breakfast.
Coming to daily overall lifestyle factors, its important to get a good 7/8 hours sleep, no late nights, not a very intense hectic routine before the holidays or the parties begin.
At the end, any weight loss/detox process is about self love and self care. It’s about staying connected to the purpose of doing what you need to for yourself and reminding yourself of it whenever it gets hard or you feel like breaking away from the routine. Stay strong for yourself!
Wishing you a great holiday ahead!