Ok. So, you’ve been to one to many Christmas parties, have gobbled the last traces of Granny’s minced pie, have eaten the remainders of all the stocking candy and have taken part in binge drinking every single night (before this island runs out of booze). Am I right? The holiday season is all the glory but unfortunately it has left you with a bloated tummy, a hangover that won’t go away and an energy level close to nil. If you feel you are too fragile for some regular physical activity, here are some easy tips to get you back on the fit bandwagon (slowly but surely…I promise).
Drink loads of organic green tea
Organic green tea contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can fight the leftover party bugs in your system. They activate the bacteria that are beneficial to the human body while killing those that are harmful. Rejuvenation and recuperation from your uncle’s second-hand smoke is as close as three cups a day!
If you have a pool, use it
I know that most of you don’t even use your pool. I think it’s about time that you swam laps each day. Swimming can activate your blood circulation; build endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. Swimming is a great idea when you want to be soft on your joints. It can also serve well as a starter fitness program in building up your stamina.
Add psyllium husk to your breakfast
The holiday deserts, breakfast sausages and pies may have clogged your system a little. Psyllium is a dietary fiber that can improve and maintain regular GI transit. 1 tablespoon of psyllium husk to your muesli, fruit or yoghurt in the morning can neutralize your colon and can help un-bloat your Santa stomach.
Dance as if no one’s watching
10 minutes of just dancing to your favorite tunes is exercise! If Tom Cruise pulled it off in Risky Business, so can you.
Have a salad
Researchers at UCLA and Louisiana State University found that more than 17,500 men and women who consume salad and raw vegetables on a regular basis have higher concentrations of folic acid, vitamins C and E, lycopene and alpha and beta carotene in the bloodstream. If you eat a plain salad for 1 meal a day, it may very quickly reverse your blood-alcohol levels in your system. Bring on the good nutrients!
Take a siesta
A simple power nap can go a long way. In this humidity and heat, it can be hard charging through the day like a Power Ranger (especially with all that turkey in your tummy).Napping for just 20 to 30 minutes can help improve your alertness, performance and mood. A recent Harvard study found that regular napping (three times a week) lowered the risk of dying from heart disease by 37 percent. This study is preliminary, but could mean that napping is as heart-healthy as lowering cholesterol, eating a healthy diet or partying less in 2009.
Lay low
The month of January should really be about reflection and about planning the next months ahead. Embrace yourself, laugh a little and enjoy the simple things. Instead of excessive buffet gorging, try to just sit and be. You can only be healthy if you give yourself some ‘me’ time.
