Has the holiday season left you feeling bloated, anxious or frustrated because you ate more than you had planned? Did you swear not to overindulge again this year, only to find yourself slipping right back into the bad habits you thought you left behind? Do you feel like your weight loss goals flew out the window, and you aren’t sure how to get back on track? So many clients are coming to see me looking for a way to break the cycle and feel good again. The good news is the solutions may not be as difficult as you think!

It is common for people to gain 2 to 3 kilos over the holiday period. Even if you gained less than this, it can certainly add up if you don’t get a handle on your eating. It’s not as hard to get back on the right path as you might think.

The key to optimal health is finding the best plan for you.  A good place to start is eliminating sugar, gluten or dairy.  This might clear up an underlying issue you didn’t even know you had. Or taking a probiotic could balance out a digestive system that might have been out of sync for years. It’s all about finding what is causing the problem than about a temporary fix for the symptoms.

Remember to be patient with yourself – it isn’t easy to break bad habits, and if you got used to an “anything goes” attitude from October to January, it may take longer than a few days to get yourself on the right track. Small steps are fine – any time you make a good choice over an unhealthy one is a win!

The following tips can aid in weight loss but even more importantly, they can make you feel amazing! Start slowly by trying just one or two of these suggestions, or find your way to great health more quickly by incorporating all of these ideas into your daily life. Do this at your own pace.

• Drink more water. I know you hear this everywhere, but it’s so important it’s worth saying again. Much of the weight gain you see after overindulging is due to water retention. High salt and carbohydrate foods contribute to fluid retention, and make your holiday weight gain seem much higher than it really is. Plain water isn’t your only option – try green or herbal teas, or mineral/soda water with fresh fruit for a refreshing change.
• Get moving! Exercise increases your cardiovascular health, can clear your mind and ease depression and anxiety, and can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Try yoga, dancing, walking or running, a gym class, or a new outdoor sport. It doesn’t have to be every day – start with a day or two a week. You might just discover you feel so good you want to do more! Try keeping a fitness journal to track your activity. Being able to see your successes on paper is a great motivator to keep moving.
• Clean out your kitchen. It’s time to get rid of the holiday fare that you typically don’t keep in the house. If it’s not there, you can’t be tempted to snack on it. Clear out the leftover starchy foods, rich salad dressings or sauces, and sweet treats. Stock up on fresh organic fruits and vegetables, lean meats, lentils, whole grains, nuts and other healthy fare.
• Modify your diet. This doesn’t necessarily mean an extreme overhaul of what you are eating. Small changes can have big impacts. Boost your intake of fibre rich foods, which make you feel more full and offer plenty of nutrients. Try cutting back on gluten, sugar, and/or dairy and track how you feel. Many of the foods that contain these ingredients are processed and don’t offer a lot of nutritional value anyway.
• Don’t skimp on sleep. When you don’t get enough sleep, it’s harder to lose weight and get rid of excess fat. Try to get to bed at the same time each night – having a routine can help you stick to the plan to get more sleep. Modify your pre-bedtime activities to reduce or eliminate screen time. Try reading a book, meditation or taking a relaxing bath to help you wind down and get ready for sleep.
• Plan ahead. During the busy holiday season, you might have slipped into the habit of eating out more – a quick lunch out or holiday dinners with friends. Make a weekly plan for meals, and buy what you need before your hectic week begins. Don’t forget to plan for snacks – nuts and fruit travel well, and are far more satisfying than a quick sugary snack.
• Get a little help. You might need some assistance getting your body back into balance. A probiotic can boost the beneficial flora in your gut, and good quality enzymes can support your digestive system.
• If you want to step up your weight loss plans and feel fantastic fast – talk to me about the Professional HcG Weight Loss plan.  I’ve helped 100’s of people achieve their healthy goal weight.  Get your weight and health back into balance. Email me at deb@noosanaturopath.com.au