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Rebecca Burn Dip RNT MBANT

It’s that time of year again when thoughts turn from the party season’s overindulgence to dusting down our tracksuits and renewing the gym membership. A drastic diet and gruelling exercise regime are considered the only course of action to take, however this can be extremely stressful and even detrimental to health. At this time of year we need nutritious foods to repair and rebuild the body after Christmas which a detox often does not provide.

Eating nutritious foods whilst ditching the junk is the first step. Whole foods such as wholegrains, fruit and vegetables, are usually easier to digest and contain far fewer toxins for the body to process. Toxins along with fats and alcohol are all processed by the liver meaning over Christmas the liver is under great strain. By simply reducing our intake of these villains we are reducing the stress on our digestive system which encourages it to detox naturally.

The B vitamins are key for liver function and overall health. When we are under stress B vitamins get used up incredibly quickly, another reason not to put yourself through a gruelling new exercise regime and a raw food only diet! Not only that, a diet of the usual junk we eat over the festive season means our diet is likely to be lacking in these essential nutrients. B vitamins are found in abundance in fish, chicken and most vegetables so stock up on fresh natural whole foods.

Too much sugar at Christmas is also inevitable. Sugar is really detrimental to health not only because of the excess calories it easily provides, but sugar can suppress the immune system meaning we are more susceptible to colds and flu. In fact eating too much sugar whilst suffering from a cold can even prolong the length of an infection. Instead sweeten up with fresh fruits which contain natural fruit sugars plus all important nutrients such as vitamin C which is crucial for staving off winter time bugs.

All the sugar and alcohol from the festive season can also disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut. Try some probiotics or switch to a multi vitamin with probiotics such as Multi-Pro (Healthy Direct) which will boost the good bacteria and restore healthy digestion.

So, let’s admit we may have over indulged, and yes our digestive system and liver have taken a hammering over the Christmas period, but give yourself a break this year, still stick to reducing your intake of alcohol, saturated fats and sugar but work towards nourishing the body rather than depriving it. See below for some further ideas for post Christmas recovery.

Rebecca’s Top Tips for Getting Back on Track this Winter

Healthy fats
Switch from saturated fats found in red meat and dairy products to healthy fats. Nuts, seeds and plenty of oily fish are tasty and provide omega fats which are essential for healthy skin and hormone balance. Try a mixed omega supplement such as Healthy Direct Omega 3, 6, 9.

Energising Gentle Exercise
Not only can a lack of exercise contribute to weight gain it also means that our circulation is more sluggish which results in a build up of toxins. Even gentle exercise gets the circulation going, so wrap up warm and try a 30 min walk at least twice a week. Exercise also releases hormones into the brain called endorphins which help us to feel good.

H20
We all know the benefits of keeping hydrated but when the weathers cold it’s hard to imagine we need to drink gallons of water. Rich fatty and salty foods can in fact be very dehydrating and so although the weather may be cold we still need to keep hydrated. Water is also key after any overindulgence as it can help to flush out toxins. Start the day with a large mug of hot water with the juice of half a lemon.

Herbal Help
Cutting out the junk food and alcohol is certainly a step in the right direction. However you may also benefit from Milk Thistle. This is wonderful herb with liver supportive properties, which may help to restore liver function faster. Healthy Direct Milk Thistle extract would be ideal.

For more information, visit www.healthydirect.com