The festive season can be a time for eating a whole lot of unhealthy treats. Here’s what dietitians advise you to do the day after stuffing yourself:
* Don’t beat yourself up. Punishing yourself for eating too much can be counter productive. Forgive yourself and move on.
* Focus on other memories. Think about great holiday experiences you had, not food you ate.
* Don’t restrict. Starving yourself will make you tired and irritable, as well as make you far more likely to binge again. Get back on your usual meal and snack schedule — just fill your plate with light, healthy foods.
* Follow hunger cues. It’s not unusual to wake up hungry after a day of pigging out. Instead of trying to ignore the feeling, have a nutritious breakfast.
* Emphasise fruits and vegetables. They’re light, low in calories and packed with fibre to help clean out your digestive system.
* Drink lots of water. Again, water will help fill you up and speed digestion.
* Get some exercise. Go to the gym, take a walk or tackle a physical project — cleaning up the yard, packing up holiday decorations or giving the house a good scrub, for example.
{{/usCountry}}* Get some exercise. Go to the gym, take a walk or tackle a physical project — cleaning up the yard, packing up holiday decorations or giving the house a good scrub, for example.
{{/usCountry}}* Get rid of temptation. Take leftover treats into work or see if there’s anything you can donate to someone in need.
* Plan healthy menus. Regain control of your eating and arm yourself with a list of nutritious foods for your next trip to the grocery store.
* Delay cheating. If you allow yourself a designated ‘cheat day’ as part of your regular eating plan, think about skipping it for the upcoming week.