When you’re trying to lose weight, you face temptations every day, not just during the holidays and special occasions. That means the potential for you to overeat, either intentionally or without really being conscious of it, is present every day.
The most important thing to do if and when you overeat is to not let it ruin your weight management efforts. Yes, it can bring you down, make you feel like you’ll never be slim and even upset your stomach. But you’re only human. You’re trying to accomplish something that is not very easy to do.
Do This the Day After you Overeat
So don’t be too harsh on yourself. Cut yourself some slack and take the following steps to minimize the effects of overeating.
1. Drink Water
Yes, we have told you countless times of the benefits of water for weight reduction. But there are particular benefits of drinking water from the moment you wake up the day after you overeat. Even if you feel full, start your day with eight ounces of water, preferably not too cold and with some lemon.
Water helps your digestive system work smoothly, which helps your body process all the previous day’s excess and reduces bloating. Together, they all help to make you feel better and have more energy.
2. Eat Your Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Healthy Snacks
It’s easy to think that you should skip some meals and go hungry to make up for your indulgence. But not sticking to your daily meal schedule can upset your system more than the extra eating.
a. Having something for breakfast helps get your metabolism going. If you’re not overly hungry, even a banana or a scoop of peanut butter might do.
b. Try a salad and some lean protein, like chicken, for lunch to keep your blood sugar stable.
c. A healthy mid-afternoon snack will help you avoid the hunger pangs that can make you hangry.
d. Go easy on your system for dinner with something like a cup of homemade vegetable soup. If you have to get it out of the can, at least choose a low-sodium variety.
3. Get Some Activity
Whether you normally work out at a gym, or just try to add a little more activity to your everyday routines, try to get active at some point in the day, preferably well before bedtime.
4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is crucial for helping your body deal with everything you throw at it. And you might not have slept very well last night. So do your texting, social media posts and TV watching well before bedtime, and do whatever it takes to set yourself up for a good night’s sleep.
Again, the most important thing you can do the day after you overeat is to be understanding and forgiving of yourself. Weight loss isn’t easy. If you would like the help of a nutritional consultant to make it a success, call or visit your nearest Herbal One Centre.