Mid-November until the end of December often brings a disruption in our healthy habits, and it’s common to find ourselves off track after the holidays. This “post holiday refresh” isn’t about drastic measures or restrictive diets. It’s about gently guiding your body back to its natural rhythm and re-establishing healthy routines.

1. Sugar Slowdown

Sugar intake usually skyrockets during the holiday season. From sugary drinks to decadent desserts, we’ve probably been consuming more than usual. This can leave us feeling sluggish, irritable, and craving even more sugar.

• Cut Back Gradually: Gradually reduce your sugar intake. Start by swapping sugary drinks for water, herbal tea, or sparkling water with a slice of fruit.
• Focus on Whole Foods: Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These natural sources of sweetness will satisfy your cravings without the sugar crash.
• Read Labels: Check food labels carefully for hidden sugars. Be mindful of terms like high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and maltose.

2. Clean Up Your Diet

The holidays often involve an abundance of richer, heavier processed foods and a lack of nutrient-dense options. To get back on track, prioritize nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body.

• Boost Protein: Protein helps you feel full and satisfied, making it easier to control cravings. Include lean protein sources like fish, poultry, beans, lentils, and tofu in your meals.
• Load Up on Fiber: Fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling full. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.
• Embrace Veggies: Aim for a rainbow of colors on your plate! Vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

3. Portion Control

It’s easy to overeat during the holidays with so many gatherings and delicious food everywhere. Getting back to regular portion sizes can feel challenging, but it’s important for maintaining a healthy weight.

• Use smaller plates: This simple trick can help you consume less without feeling deprived.
• Mindful eating: Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eat slowly and savor each bite.
• Cook at home: Cooking at home allows you to control portion sizes and ingredient choices.

4. Get Back on Schedule

The holiday season often disrupts our regular routines. We may have been socializing more, attending more events, and sleeping in later than usual.

Re-establish a Sleep Schedule: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Consistent sleep patterns help regulate hormones and improve overall well-being.

Create a Meal Plan: Planning your meals ahead of time can help you make healthier choices and avoid impulsive snacking.

Schedule Regular Exercise: Even short bursts of physical activity can make a big difference. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

5. Consider a 7 Day Fresh Start

A gentle cleanse can be a helpful way to support your body’s natural detoxification processes after the holidays. Arbonne’s 7-Day Refresh is a popular option for a post-holiday reset.

Reboot, Renew, Refresh

This program combines a safe approach to intermittent fasting with science-backed nutritional products.

• Morning Matcha: Supports your fasting window with sustained energy.
• Golden Renewal Protein: Supports natural detoxification and lean muscle mass.
• OmniGut Daily Probiotic: Supports the intestinal lining and a healthy microbiome.

The 7-Day Refresh provides a structured approach to cleansing, helping you:

• Reduce sugar cravings: By limiting processed foods and focusing on whole foods.
• Improve digestion: By supporting your gut health with probiotics and fiber-rich foods.
• Boost energy levels: By providing sustained energy throughout the day.
• Reset your system: By giving your body a break from processed foods and allowing it to focus on detoxification.

It’s also a great way to give yourself a jumpstart to make the most of the 30 Days to Healthy Living program in January. Details in next week’s blog!

Do you have any post holiday refresh rituals or practices to help get you back on track? If so, I’d love to hear about them! Just comment below or reply via email.

Here’s to welcoming in a healthy 2025!