So, you've gone on a holiday bender.
First, let's talk about what that means.
The dictionary's definition is "a spree, especially a drinking spree."
Urban Dictionary's definition is "the status of being 'bent' (intoxicated from alcohol) for more than a day. Usually results in loss of memory, money, strange tattoos, and other things you'll have a hell of a time explaining."
My definition is "a free-for-all week or string of days when you throw your best intentions for food and alcohol out the window and indulge like there is no tomorrow."
When I worked in finance, my colleague and I would joke about our "holiday benders."
We'd try to be really good the first two weeks of December.
Then, after a string of weekend Christmas parties, our team off-site wine tasting, holiday happy hours with clients and then our firm holiday party on a Monday night, we'd commiserate about the number of nights we'd been out drinking way more than normally and eating too many pigs in a blanket to count.
The thing is, it's easier to keep going than to call it quits.
When we're tired, deeply fatigued and feeling bloated and alcohol-infused, it's a quicker fix to keep drinking, eating dense and caloric foods and numbing out how we really feel than make a change.
This is where most people get in trouble during the holiday season.
So, how can you break the cycle?
Read on for an easy-to-follow timeline and tips to get back on track within 48 hours to glow at your next holiday engagement.
I like to tell my clients and friends that with the right "feel better fast" steps and routine, you can truly feel back to normal with a day and a half.
Think you can do it? Yes, you can.
Here's a sample timeline to follow, so just adjust your days of the week accordingly:
Monday Night
You may feel like crap.
Use the night at home to make a plan for the next 48 hours.
It's extra-inspiring to set healthy intentions when you're feeling your worst.
It's all about motivation.
- Plan three workouts you can do within two days, ideally three workouts in 30 hours.
- Plan your nutrition strategy. Either take a mini-trip to the grocery store or visualize where you will get your meals on-the-go and what you will order.
- Chug water.
- Take probiotics if you have them.
- Forgive yourself. Tomorrow is a new day. You're not a bad person, so give yourself a hug and remember you're human.
- Go to bed early.
Tuesday Morning
- Upon waking, drink warm water, spiked with lemon or apple cider vinegar.
- Start your first workout. Get sweating. Sit in a steam room or sauna if you can, or take a hot, sweaty shower. Open those pores and get out those toxins.
- Eat plant-based and non-inflammatory foods. Have a green smoothie for breakfast or sautéed spinach and eggs. Cut the carbs and table salt.
- Keep drinking loads of water and warm water with lemon slices.
- For lunch, continue with the veggies, lean protein and good-for-you fats like olive oil, avocado or coconut oil. Watery vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, spinach, asparagus and grapefruit are hydrating, slimming and act as diuretics.
Tuesday Evening
- Start your second workout. Yes, it's a double, and you will survive. Sweat it out with a steam, sauna, shower and stretch.
- Dinner should follow your clean and whole-food breakfast and lunch choices with low-sodium, watery veggies and lean protein as the star.
- Pop some fish oil pills, more water and probiotic before bed.
- Sleep.
Wednesday Morning
It's a bright new day.
How much more amazing do you feel?
Yes, I thought so. You can thank me later.
- Start your third workout. You've got this. You're feeling groovy with increased blood flow and oxygen to your cells.
- Keep up with your veggies, low-carb, higher protein and water intake.
Wednesday Evening
- Throw on that party dress (It fits!) and get back out there, darling.
You just broke your bender, so congrats.
