Simple tips to get back on track after holiday indulgences

Whether you’re a new year’s resolutions type of person or not, the new year is a symbolic way to represent new opportunities to make positive changes and form new habits.

One of the most common ‘resolutions’ in the new year is to get your health back on track through food. This is particularly the case because a lot of us tend to overindulge in food and drink over the holidays, but now that the festive season is over, there’s no better time to get your diet back on track.

Often times that’s a lot easier said than done, but these simple, nutritionist-approved tips will help start the year feeling good!

Incorporate more fibre-rich foods

Eating more fibre delivers an array of health benefits. It not only keeps you regular, but it can also help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, and decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Beans, lentils, chickpeas, sweet potato, oatmeal, flaxseeds, broccoli, apples and pears are some of the richest sources of fibre, and just adding in some of these foods into your meal can make a difference. In fact, beans, lentils and chickpeas are a great alternative to meat and can be a great substitute in soups, curries and salads.

Fibre is also very filling, which means that it can keep you going between meals, ultimately reducing your desire to reach for a naughty snack throughout the day.

Get your daily two and five

According to the latest data on dietary behaviours released by the Australia Bureau of Statistics, 94 per cent of Australians aren’t getting their recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

Increasing your intake of vegetables may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and even prevent some types of cancer. Not only are there incredible health benefits but filling up on veggies means you’ve got less room for junk! And the best part is vegetables can be prepared in a number of ways — they can be boiled, steamed, roasted or even sautéed. For a quick and easy snack, try steaming some green beans and seasoning with Furikake (a Japanese rice seasoning made of seaweed and other seasonings) for extra flavour.

It’s best to eat a wide variety of vegetables so your body gets all the essential nutrients it needs. Try to eat whatever fruit and veg are in season, which will help ensure variety in your diet.

Staying hydrated

For some, water can be a little bland to drink. Try lemon-flavoured water. Lemon juice acts as a digestive and a detoxing agent, which revs up your metabolism and curbs cravings throughout the day.

Aim for two litres of purified water with fresh lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar every day to help flush out toxins.

And as part of balancing the body’s pH levels, apple cider vinegar creates an overall detoxification of the body. Research shows that it can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.

Swap out your morning coffee

If you’ve got into the Christmas spirits a little too much over the holidays, try swapping out your morning coffee with turmeric or green tea to help the liver’s detoxification process. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body. It also has a small caffeine boost, which creates a gentler and steadier source of stimulation.

Get rid of any temptations

If you have leftover chocolate and lollies, give them away because if they’re not in the cupboard you can’t be tempted. And if a sugar craving does kick in, grab a piece of fruit instead – not only is that a healthier choice but you’re also on your way to getting your recommended daily intake.

How many of these habits will you be incorporating into your day-to-day routine?

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.