After the Christmas period, many people feel sluggish and bloated due to indulgent meals, sugary treats, and disrupted routines.
To help you feel better and restore energy, here are my 5 top tips to help feel good again:
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Why: Dehydration can make you feel tired, sluggish, and irritable. After the festive period, when there has been more consumption of salty, sugary foods and alcoholic drinks, it is easy to get dehydrated.
Tip: Start your day with a glass of water and aim for at least 1.5 litres throughout the day. Use a clear water bottle, this can often help because you can visually see how much you have left and is a good reminder to drink. Adding electrolytes can also help with rehydration and to replenish salts, one of my favourites is Marchon.
2. Focus on Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods
Why: After indulging in rich, processed foods, your body would benefit from simple, whole foods to restore balance and give you more energy.
Tip: Focus on colour to fill your plate with foods such as fruits and vegetables. Add in lean proteins (like chicken, tofu, or fish), and whole grains (such as quinoa, brown rice, or oats). These foods provide fibre, nutrients and will also help fill you up for a long period of time.
3. Prioritise Protein and Fiber
Why: Protein helps stabilise blood sugar levels and supports muscle repair, while fibre helps digestion and keeps you full longer.
Tip: Include a source of protein (like eggs, lean meats, fish) in every meal, and aim to fill half your plate with vegetables and fibre-rich grains to keep your digestive system running smoothly.
4. Get Moving
Why: A change in routine can sometimes mean less movement, this is usually due to more social occasions, more hangovers and generally just more of a wind down month. Less activity usually leads to more inactivity, it can be a vicious circle.
Tip: Plan a routine of movement throughout the week, whether this is a walk or a fitness session, put it in your diary so you are more likely to do it. Also, make it manageable, start small and build on it. If it is a class you plan to do, aim to go lighter with weights and intensity if you have not been to the gym much. If it is a walk, pick a small one and build on that. You will feel SO much better afterwards.
5. Phase Out Processed Foods and Sugary Treats
Why: After Christmas, it can be tempting to keep indulging in leftovers or sugary snacks that have been bought for you, but these foods can cause inflammation, energy crashes, mood swings and weight gain over time.
Tip: Do a kitchen overhaul, most people want rid of their Christmas decorations at this time of the year, do the same with your kitchen, Get rid of the chocolates and cheeses or at least put them out of eye sight. The more you see them, the more you want them and are more likely to mindlessly snack.
By refocusing on hydration, whole foods, and balanced nutrition, you will feel much better, less bloated, and feel back to your ‘normal’ self in no time.
If you feel you are tired and sluggish most of the time, then maybe some help with your nutrition can really help. Most people feel tired and sluggish most of the time because of their nutrition and lifestyle and with a few tweaks you can feel MUCH better.
If you would like a call with myself, then click the link below to fill in the submission form and I will be in touch with any advice you may need.