The most magical time of the year for most people represents a time when family and friends get together to celebrate in the spirit of the holidays. Nevertheless, many think that Christmas is the perfect opportunity to overindulge in sweet treats and fatty foods that they have been trying to stay away from all year.

As a matter of fact, the holidays can make a typical dieter feel anxious. How can someone enjoy all the scrumptious foods without the feeling of guilt soon after?

Even though we may consider Christmas as the time when calories simply do not exist, it is still important to remember that moderation is key.

So, what does bingeing actually look like? Binge eating usually happens as a reaction to stress, anger, or even happiness. After consuming a large amount of typically unhealthy food, the feeling of guilt, anxiety, and self-loathing usually kicks in. Above all, it is important to stay kind to yourself and try to develop a good strategy to make sure you get right back on track.

Here are 5 easy ways to reset yourself after a binge…

1. Fast in the morning

Fasting is a great way to kick-start your day and to give your digestive system a break. Remember all the gingersnap cookies and cake from last night? By skipping breakfast, you let your body take care of the residuals from the day before.

Try drinking a large glass of water as soon as you wake up to hydrate your body. As the day goes by, sip on some water and maybe opt for chamomile or peppermint tea. Chamomile is a great herb that relaxes the nerves, whilst peppermint can easily soothe an upset stomach.

Excess carbohydrates and unhealthy fats can leave us feeling bloated and lethargic, so it is important that we fast whilst hydrating ourselves so the toxins get flushed out as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to skip on the coffee.

2. Exercise

Most of us already know all of the amazing benefits that exercise has on the body and overall well being. Exercise is a great way to battle stress and depression.

For someone who would like to get back on track after a night of overindulging, there is nothing better than some physical activity. Of course, you do not need to be a gym goer to reap the benefits of exercise.

A walk around your neighbourhood, jog, or an at-home workout are all great options as long as you move your body. For beginners, it is best if you seek out the help of an experienced personal trainer. A personal trainer will help you achieve your goals in the quickest way possible, or you can set new goals together.

In addition, you will be provided with a complete meal plan and workout routine in order to get the best results. Busy people might find the concept of preparing their own meals at home time-consuming.

As a matter of fact, healthy meals plan for weight loss is a great thing to consider if you do not want to be bothered with your own meal prep. You are able to choose a meal plan that is in tune with your goals. Whether you want to lose fat, build muscle or just get back on track, you can have fresh and healthy meals delivered to your home address.

3. Diet

Getting back on track with your diet is key to feeling better. When you are ready to break your fast, opt for a healthy meal made up of wholesome ingredients.

The best option would be to go for raw, fresh vegetables which will provide a lot of fibre, as well as your daily dose of micronutrients. Try out some steamed broccoli, kale, a big bowl of salad, some lean protein (such as fish, eggs, tofu, chicken breast), or low-fat cottage cheese.

4. Sleep

Poor sleep is directly related to a slow metabolism and lethargic mood which can last the whole day. It is important to get at least seven hours of quality sleep every night in order to let our body relax and recharge.

One of the best ways to detox after the indulgent Christmas holidays is to just let it go and sleep it off. You will wake up refreshed and ready to get back on track!

5. Be kind to yourself

Since Christmas happens only once a year, it is important to remind yourself that it is okay to binge on delicious foods. One of the most valuable lessons in life is to not be too hard on yourself. Instead of feeling guilty, say to yourself that there is nothing wrong with eating an extra slice of pie or drinking a few shots of eggnog, under the condition that you get right back on track the next day. If you remain kind to yourself then you can leave all the bingeing you had over Christmas behind you and move on.

In summary, the holidays should be enjoyed in the loving company of friends and family. If you ate or drank a little too much, do not worry! Just remind yourself that it is alright and focus on finding a way to get back on track.