After several weeks of merriment, it’s easy to feel a little sluggish, bloated, and in need of a little health reboot.
One negative effect of poor eating and drinking over the course of time is a broken metabolism. (Yes, it is possible to break it, after all). Metabolism dysfunction may present as weight gain, increased blood pressure and cholesterol, less energy, food cravings, and trouble sleeping. Sound familiar? Well, lucky for us, there are healthy (yes, healthy) ways to reset your body—in just 24 hours to boot.
1. HIT SNOOZE - Giving yourself a good night’s rest is one of the best ways to reset your body and health. Sleep has been connected to weight loss, reduced cortisol levels and stress, and improved overall health. The best part about sleep is that it takes absolutely no effort. Just make sure the temperature of your room is cool, and give yourself a 10-hour block to snooze.
2. DRINK A BIG GLASS OF WATER ON WAKING -…and right before you go to sleep, and throughout the day. While our bodies are asleep, we go seven or more hours without any hydration. By providing your body with hydration upon waking, it refreshes and energises our cells.
3. TAKE A LOT OF STRETCH BREAKS - It may sound basic, but taking a break once an hour, even if only for five minutes, to stretch and move around will decrease fatigue, get your blood flowing through the muscles, and get your heart rate up, burning calories.
4. REACH FOR BLOAT-BUSTING BEVERAGES - At the top of the list of nutritionist-approved drinks: herbal teas, mineral broths, and (you guessed it) good old H2O.
5. PASS ON THE ALCOHOL - Sadly, that “hair of the dog” mimosa is not reboot-friendly. To our bodies, alcohol is a toxin, which means when we ingest it, our bodies will work to metabolise the alcohol before other sources of energy. In other words, while your body is busy working on the alcohol, the other calories in your food or drink will store as fat.
6. BUT DON’T DEPRIVE YOURSELF - When your body feels sluggish, your gut reaction might be to swear off everything but green juice and water. But this type of thinking can be a mistake. No single food or drink should be considered off-limits. Some examples of items to consume sparingly would be deep-fried items, sugary beverages, unfulfilling snacks like sweets or crisps, and highly processed meats. But if 7pm strikes and you find yourself desperately craving chocolate, don’t stress. You can still have a few squares. As long as your choices are mindful, your reboot will still work.