Exercise tips: After gorging on all the festival food and sweets, don’t be too hard on yourself and try to rush at getting back to your pre-festival workout. Instead, set small, achievable goals (Image: Canva)
Indulged too much during the Diwali festivities? So now you’re back from the holidays and raring to get back to your pre-festival diet and workout routine, but it seems so daunting. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Start with setting small, realistic goals, practicing portion control and eating a balanced meal and you’ll soon be back to your pre-festival routine without the risk of falling off the wagon.
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Here are some strategies to stay on track and make the rest of the year your healthiest yet:
- Set realistic, short-term goals
After gorging on all the festival food and sweets, don’t be too hard on yourself and try to rush at getting back to your pre-festival workout. Instead, set small, achievable goals. A study in Behavioral Science & Policy also highlights that setting smaller, clear goals can lead to more sustainable achievements.
Start with weekly or monthly goals, like working out 4 times a week or adding more vegetables to your diet.
Remembering why you work out will keep you motivated at this time, whether you want to lose weight, get healthy or feel more energetic. Clarifying your reason helps keep you focused.
- Prioritise portion control over strict diets
After indulging, it’s tempting to turn to strict diets, but focusing on portion control can be more effective and sustainable. Studies also show that portion control can help manage your calories better. Use smaller plates, slow down and eat mindfully and add more veggies to get a boost of nutrition without extra calories.
- Get back to regular movement
Consistency is key to getting back on track. Incorporate different types of movement to keep things interesting and sustainable. If you’re easing back, start small, spending about 15-20 minutes on exercise every day. Try to keep it interesting and prevent burnout by combine cardio, strength training, and stretching. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans encourage mixing activities to improve adherence and balance.
- Rehydrate to boost your metabolism
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, staying hydrated aids metabolism and is crucial for digestion, especially after high-sugar or high-salt festive foods.
Drink water first thing in the morning to kick-start your metabolism. Carrying a bottle with you makes it easier to drink throughout the day. Drinking herbal teas like green tea or ginger tea can also support digestion while keeping you hydrated.
- Create a balanced meal plan
After bingeing during the festivals, try to get back to a balanced meal. A meal that focuses on protein, fibre, and healthy fats, will help you manage your blood sugar levels effectively, according to an article on the Mayo Clinic website. Slowly cut back on sweets and sugar-laden snacks; try fruit for natural sweetness. Meal prepping and always having healthy food available at home will make it easier to make healthy choices when you’re hungry.
- Prioritise sleep and rest
After the festive excitement, your body might need rest. Getting enough sleep helps regulate appetite, boosts metabolism, and improves mental clarity. It can also aid weight regulation and overall health, according to the National Institute of Health. Limit your screen time try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body clock.
- Ease back into social eating mindfully
After the festival, social gatherings can still come up, but you can make mindful choices to stay on track for your health and fitness goals. Eat a healthy snack before you go out to eat, opt for salads, grilled items, and smaller portions and enjoy your food mindfully.
Getting back on track after the festive season can be challenging but with a little balance, consistency, and a positive mindset, you are surely to get back to your pre-festival workout days.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
