I Overdid It for Thanksgiving… Now What?

Turkey got you feeling down? Too many taters take over your tummy? Maybe it was during the third slice of pumpkin pie that you finally realized it might be time to hit the stop button and take a breath. We’ve all been there and we all usually stay there for most of the holiday season with high hopes of changing our ways on January 2. Well why not start now? Why not take this opportunity to really tap into your inner health goddess and feel good every morning, afternoon and evening by changing a few of your daily habits and swapping them out for some fabulous, fun, and fresh ‘me’ tips.

Reboot with Greens

Every morning you have an opportunity to start on the right track. At least that’s how I feel when I wake up and give gratitude for the day ahead and head to my kitchen to give my blender a workout. Who cares what you ate yesterday? It’s about today and the days ahead so pop the top off that Kenmore® blender and pack it high with an array of green fruits and vegetables including spinach, apples, celery, ginger, and coconut water. It will literally make you jump for joy and never look back on that third slice of pie ever again.

Eat the rainbow

I’m pretty sure we’ve all heard this saying before but if you are looking to really get back on track and feel good about yourself, then it’s time to stock your Kenmore fridge with a colorful rainbow of fruits and vegetables. I love to wake up and have a green energy drink paired with an unripe banana because it contains less sugar than a over-ripe one. Then I nosh on a couple of blueberries and strawberries for an extra boost of antioxidants and vitamins. Follow that up with some egg whites and an on-the-go almond butter pack and we are well on the way to a happy, healthy day!

Get up and get moving

They say that exercising first thing in the morning not only burns more calories, but that it keeps your energy levels at top speed throughout the day. Well I say those folks are pretty up to speed on their statistics. I love waking up and getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise to get my blood pumping. Whether it’s yoga, kickboxing, going for a brisk walk, or running on a treadmill at my gym, putting my body in motion in the a.m. seems to give me total energy for the day. If you cannot get down with the morning routine, check out your local gym for a fun class after work like Zumba or Barre which get the heart pumping and the waistline whittling.

Keep your purse stocked

If you carry a purse everyday or a computer bag then it’s great to keep healthy snacks stashed for a midday slump. If you were to check in my purse right now you would find my Power Bites, a snack pack of almonds, an organic Fuji apple, and an extra large water with me at all times. Having these foods so readily available to me is what keeps me from overeating at dinner times and makes me snap out of that midday ‘tude in no time. Here is the recipe for my easy 3-ingredient Power Bites that will keep you happy all day!  

Have a healthy dinner

To bounce back from a turkey and stuffing coma, it’s best to finish off your night after with a healthy dinner loaded with grilled vegetables and lean proteins. Try and save the heavy carbs for special occasions only. Lean towards smaller portions and the above mentioned food for optimal recovery from the Thanksgiving feast. Since root vegetables are in season, why not roast off some butternut squash and pair it with a gorgeous piece of grilled sea bass?

Unwind with Epsom

Okay, so you finally made it to the end of the day and need a reward for your hard-earned health accomplishments. Treat yourself to an indulgent Epsom salt bath to release those pesky toxins and detox your bod one more time today. I fill my tub with uber-hot water (as hot as I can stand it), 2 cups of Epsom salt, ½ cup baking soda, and 10 drops of lavender. Then I light some candles, turn on some soothing music, and take a dip for about 20 minutes and just shut off. It’s so important to take that ‘me’ time at the end of the day so you can ensure a decent nights sleep and dream about all those extra helpings of green bean casserole and canned cranberry sauce.

Happy Holiday’s and hopefully you’ll enjoy some of my self-help tips!

Image Credit: inhabitots.com