It was hard to resist those never-ending festivities during the holidays. One could not have simply turned them down. Thus, you had probably been bingeing on practically everything. 

Of course, the end result of all that feasting is weight gain. This was inevitable when there was no portion control in your food choices. On top of everything, there was the alcohol consumption, which probably had no limits. Thus, the permission you gave yourself to stuff your mouth and forget the diet should be withdrawn.

It is time to remove what you have added due to over-indulging yourself. That’s right, the operative word is “over.” This is because a little pampering as a reward once in a while is okay. 

Getting rid of calories

Excess calories always turn into fat. No argument there. So, get on a weight scale and see just how far you are from your ideal weight. 

There is the physical exam which you can do immediately. Pinch your waistline and hips to see how much fat you need to get rid of. 

You may consider implementing the following measures:

1. No sugar. Your liver will be happier if you cut out the sweets for one month. If you have been taking multiple desserts during the holidays, then it is time to withhold the sugar. This means no desserts from now until next month.

2. Carbohydrate control. No more eating platefuls of pasta. Limit carbs to one fourth of your plate. This applies to rice and bread. 

The good thing about carbohyrate restriction is that the effects are felt almost immediately. Remember, the challenge is to eat just the right amount of food. And if you decide to go into Intermittent Fasting, do not do this on your own without seeking medical advice. Consult your doctor first.

3. No more midnight snacking. If you get hungry in the middle of the night, do not reach out for a slice of cake. Instead, have a complex carbohydrate like boiled sweet potatoes. 

4. Whole foods. Beginning today, do not eat anything that is processed. This means your market list will include fresh vegetables and fruits. Meats are freshly-slaughtered, fish newly harvested. In short, buy no canned meat or fish.  They must be market fresh.

5. Increase vegetable intake. The more fiber you have in you, the better. Vegetables have a way of regulating weight, lowering cholesterol and improving bowel movement. 

6. Back to the gym. Sign up for an exercise regimen that includes a cardio workout plus weight training, flexibility and stretching routines.

Consider yoga and Pilates as well.

7. Mental well-being. The yuletide season can be stressful. You can now focus on un-stressing programs that will teach you ways to control and manage your stress levels. Tranquility is the end-goal. 

8. Better sleep. Now you can follow a more regular bedtime schedule. Set your desired time and slowly gain an hour. For example, if you have been so used to sleeping at 1 a.m., go for 11 a.m. Each week, try to sleep earlier in order to break your past midnight habit. 

9. Hydrate more than ever. Oftentimes, you may not realize that you could be dehydrated. This is because you could have been so used to drinking less water. This is not a good sign. Dehydration can lead to medical issues in the future.  Stay true to the rule of eight to 10 glasses of water daily.  

10. No alcohol. Try to detoxify yourself from alcohol. Water should be your beverage of choice.

Affirmation: “I am starting the year right.”

Love and Light.