Post-holiday detox to kickstart your weight-loss goals

After enjoying holiday feasts and festivities, a thoughtful reset, or post-holiday detox, can help you feel lighter and more energized as you transition back to healthier habits.

Post-holiday detox or reset?

This time is more of a post-holiday reset, than a detox. After all, your body does not need help ridding itself of toxins—it has its own detoxification systems in place!

The word “detox” also connotes unhealthy dieting practices like severe calorie restriction or consuming only juices or teas. Not here!

Instead, we encourage long-term, sustainable habits to give you a healthier, more balanced perspective for returning to a health-conscious routine.

Do you need a reset after the holidays?

Indulgent meals, extra sugar, and alcohol during the holiday season often lead to bloating, fatigue, and sluggishness. Excess sugar can spike insulin levels, leading to fatigue, while salty foods may cause water retention and bloating.

Gained a few pounds? Research suggests that if holiday weight gain is left unaddressed, it can negatively impact health by increasing the risk of developing chronic disease.

Consider the following symptoms, to see if a post-holiday detox is due to reset and restore balance to your life.

• Bloating and digestive discomfort
• Fatigue and low energy
• Weight fluctuations
• Dehydration
• Sluggish metabolism
• Mental fog

Start with hydration

The most accessible place to start your post-holiday detox, or reset, is in fluids. Drinking plenty of water can reverse the effects of excess alcohol and salty foods and boost energy levels.

Infuse your water with fruit, cucumber slices, or mint sprigs to make hydration enjoyable and add flavor and nutrients.

Herbal and green teas are also packed with antioxidants, which may provide numerous health benefits.

Want to know how much fluid you should be drinking? Check out How to figure out how much water you should drink, plus an easy way to track it.

Focus on light, nutrient-dense meals

After indulging in larger meals and sweets, remind yourself to eat mindfully. Limiting processed foods and refined sugars during your reset period can do wonders for your health and waistline.

Choose lighter meals that are easy to digest, like broth-based soups, steamed vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Try some recipes featuring the benefits of cruciferous vegetables or a quick weight-loss smoothie recipe.

Incorporate gentle movement daily

If physical activity took a backseat during the holidays, now is the time to incorporate gentle movement into your routine.

Activities like yoga, stretching, and walking can reduce bloat and improve circulation.

No need to go full throttle yet with your exercise routine. Even 10-15 minutes of physical activity each morning may improve exercise adherence and promote weight management.

Remember to listen to your body and avoid overexertion when exercising. Your doctor may need to approve your exercise routine.

Prioritize rest and recovery

Getting an adequate amount of sleep is essential during a post-holiday detox. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Sleep is crucial for resetting many bodily functions and plays a significant role in weight management.

Improve your sleep experience by trying the following:

• Create a calming evening routine by reading, journaling, or meditating.
• Avoid caffeine late in the day, or try a caffeine-free herbal tea like chamomile before bed.
• Refrain from eating a heavy meal right before bed, which can make falling asleep difficult and uncomfortable.
• Invest in blackout curtains or an eyemask to promote a more restful sleep.
• Avoid blue-light-emitting electronics before bedtime, known to affect sleep.

Rebuild healthy habits gradually

Healthy habits easily lapse during the holiday festivities. However, you can resume these habits or create new ones anytime!

Start by making small, manageable changes like meal prepping or tracking hydration. The MyNetDiary app can help you track calories, specific nutrients, food intake, water, exercise, and much more.

Staying consistent with these habits will help you return to a more manageable, happy, healthy lifestyle.

Set goals for the New Year and beyond

Setting goals helps you transition from a post-holiday detox into long-term healthy habits. Start by reflecting on what worked and didn’t during the past year, then identify specific, realistic wellness goals. Break your goals into smaller, actionable steps, and don’t forget to track your progress using the MyNetDiary app.

Celebrate small wins to keep yourself motivated and on track!

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Holidays / Parties->New Year's Weight Loss->Goals & Monitoring