The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and indulgence. From festive feasts to sweet treats, it’s easy to stray from our usual routines. However, as the holidays come to an end, it’s the perfect opportunity to refocus and restore balance.
This guide will help you reset your habits, nurture your body, and feel your best in the New Year.
Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating helps you enjoy your meals and avoid overeating.
- Pause and Assess: Check if you’re truly hungry before eating.
- Savor Each Bite: Slow down and focus on the flavors.
- Remove Distractions: Step away from screens during meals.
Return to Home-Cooked Meals
Home-cooked meals allow you to use fresh ingredients, control portions, and reduce processed foods.
- Load your plate with veggies first.
- Save leftovers for another meal.
- Involve family or friends to make cooking enjoyable.
Add Variety to Your Diet
A diverse diet supports gut health and overall wellness.
- Experiment: Add seasonal veggies, herbs, and spices like cinnamon and ginger.
- Include Fiber: Opt for beans, lentils, and whole grains.
- Try Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt or kimchi benefit digestion.
Hydrate and Move
- Drink water throughout the day and alternate it with other beverages.
- Start with light activities like walking or yoga to ease back into movement.
Be Kind to Yourself
Don’t stress over holiday indulgence, it’s your long-term habits that matter most. Celebrate small wins, stay positive, and focus on progress, not perfection.
Getting back on track doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With mindful eating, wholesome meals, and simple physical activity, you can reset and feel re-energised. Remember to listen to your body and enjoy the process.
References
- British Dietetic Association (BDA) 2023, Mindful Eating, Available at: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/mindful-eating.html
- McDonald, D. et al. (2018) American Gut: An open platform for citizen science microbiome research, ASM Journals mSystems, 3(3). doi:10.1128/msystems.00031-18.