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Hope everyone had a great weekend bringing in the new year. Despite spending 6 hours in a car trying to get home on New Year’s day, it was definitely a weekend to remember. It didn’t help when one of my friends in the car reminded me I could have flown to Dubai and back during the same duration. Oh well, reaching home never felt so good! As much as I’m going to miss the December festivities, I am looking forward to going back to routine and eating normally. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel kind of bloated. Most people attend Midnight Mass in December…I, on the other hand, seemed to regularly attend Midnight Mass-ive. In other words, almost every night out would be followed by going to get food.
I don’t regret any single bite nor do I feel guilty about it and if I had the chance to do it all over again, you bet I would. I don’t see the big deal in indulging if you eat a mostly healthy diet a majority of the time. However I am looking forward to eating wholesome food, to feeling hungry (as opposed to non-stop eating), and eating at regular hours. Other than weight reasons, I love how energetic and alive whole, real foods make me feel.
Rather than dwell about feeling bloated or count calories and end up losing my mind, I am going to do the same thing I always do after any period of indulgence: resume my healthy eating habits immediately. In other words:
- 3 normal meals and 1-2 snacks in between: To avoid overeating later in the day and losing control at the sight of food, I need to eat regularly.
- Go back to the basics in terms of eating: rather than eliminate food groups entirely, I am going to stick to eating:
Wholegrain carbs in the form of rye/whole-wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat pasta, oats, and wholegrain cereal
Lean protein: soy mince, beans, tofu, eggs, chicken breast, fish/seafood, yogurt
Healthy fats: nuts, avocado, peanut butter, salmon, olive/truffle oil, flax/chia seeds
- Keep my portions in check: In general, I try to fill my plate with ½ fruits & veggies, ¼ carbs and ¼ protein. It works for me, fills me up and keeps my cravings at bay! While this might not always be possible, including a source of protein in every meal is a biggie for me.
- Work out 5 times a week: Ankle permitting, I am going to start training for a 10km in order to feel motivated about my workouts and hold me accountable.
- Drink lots of H20:
Not use every meal out as an excuse to indulge in dessert: And no, a couple of pieces of chocolate daily doesn’t count as dessert in my books ;)!- Limit my intake of processed/packaged foods
- Try to eat less sugar: My cravings for sweet foods went through the roof in December and I need to tame it. Despite their lack of sugar/calories, I’ve read that sweeteners actually encourage sweet cravings. Hopefully my New Year’s resolution to give up Diet Coke will help nip it in the bud!
And my biggest advice to those who are also trying to start their year on a healthier note:
- Every meal is a new chance to get back on it: Even if you mess up your healthy eating intentions in one meal, the next meal is a clean slate.
How do you get rid of the bloated feeling post-holiays?
I love how much appreciation you show your body, your plans for 2012 are awesome! 🙂 Looking forward to seeing you OWN them all!
I’m glad you have confidence in me 🙂
Ahh man I feel you Khushboo- in the office we have had a steady stream of cookies/candy/everything you can imagine sent to us from Gilt Taste etc that I’ve just been loading up on all that…oh and doesn’t help that we have a MASSIVE candy bowl that gets refilled every day 😉
Now I find myself actually craving some fresh healthy fare!
Salad never tastes so good, eh! The sight of cookies doesn’t even tempt me anymore- who am i!
I definitely need to recalibrate after the holidays–I’ve been craving raw veggies, so I think my body knows it’s tired of processed carbs and too much salt and sweets, not that I didn’t love everything I ate! So I’ve been snacking on fruit and carrots, and made a big raw salad of dark leafy greens. Back to eating simpler things and balancing it all out.
Funny how smart the body strives for balance!
I know! It’s so easy to tell when something is off or something is needed, crazy how that works.
I totally understand how you’re feeling. I’ve been at home non-stop eating my mom’s food and loving it, but I am ready to get back into my healthy routine! The easiest way for me to get rid of the bloated, post-holiday feeling is to exercise and drink a to of water!
Starting my Monday with a workout was probably the best thing I could have done! I’m already feeling lighter!
I felt super bloated afte my trip to Vegas and the only solution to this syndrome is to get back on track and eat healthy.
It’s funny how still some people compare eating healthy and wholesome to being on a diet.
Seriously…it’s such an old-fashioned mentality!
Love this! One of my resolutions for this year is to eat healthier. Before I lost weight I tended to eat whatever I wanted and now I have a problem with undereating. It’s hard for me to find a balance, but it’s time to find one anyway!
Great blog 🙂
Good luck with finding a balance…it’s just a matter of time!
I really do understand how you are feeling… I am just a bit tired of the constant pressure and focus around food during this time of the year. Food is of course a social thing and brings people together, but I do want to take a bit of a step back and not obsess about it so much! Now that the holidays are over, I am sure that will happen
Good luck with the changes. I know you are going to be successful as all of these are quite realistic 🙂
Thanks, good luck to you too!
I’m doing the same as you… every meal is a chance to just get back at it. I will admit I am a little nervous to see what the damage is when I go to my Weight Watchers meeting this week, but I will get through it!
I remember that feeling of going back to WW after the holidays- nerve-wrecking! Hope there wasn’t too much damage ;)!
Totally. I overdosed on the sweet stuff leading up to NY and feel so ugh.
One my NY resolutions is to quit sugar. Ambitious I know, but I’m determined to do it.
Also get into a healthy routine – just need to stick to something! 🙂
Give up sugar? wow you’re a stronger woman than I!
I think getting enough sleep, working out, drinking enough water and eating healthy helps when your feeling bloated. I usally eat 3 big meals and 2-3 snacks a day too. 🙂
Glad you mentioned sleep…nothing like a good night’s worth to fix things!
I’ve been struggling with balance-eating wholesome foods for a while now. I love portion control and drinking loads of H20 whole day. I find snacking on fruits curbs my sugar cravings. Good luck sweetie — I am sure 2012 would prove greatness for you & every one 🙂
Hope 2012 is a great year for you too!
Rock it out!! I love your attitude and perseverance – so inspiring. P.S. – Arctic char is like a lighter, flakier version of salmon. Highly recommended for when salmon gets boring!
I’m not sure salmon can ever get boring but I will definitely try Arctic char when I see it available!
Drinking a lot of water (not just keeps me hydrated but) seems to help me not over eat.
I like the perception of eating healthy rather than “being on a diet” 😀
The idea of being on a diet is so mentally unappealing…eating healthy is something I actually strive/want to do.
these are some great guidelines!
Great “clean slate” ideas. I know you can follow through!
Love your healthy and balanced attitude to food and life! You’re so right, there’s no point beating yourself up over a little indulgence every now and then. Life is for living!
True story, it’s all about striking a balance!
Hi Khushboo – Happy New Year! Great advice on the food, exactly what I do, well except the workout. 🙂 I’m trying.
Yes, I felt/feel bloated too…
I worked out yesterday.. avoiding alcohol this week and next, I’m baking healthier, avoiding eating out, salads for lunch, and eat fiber rich so I drain it too. 🙂 It helps, I feel lighter.
Happy New Year to you too! Way to go on your workout yesterday :)!
The part about a couple of pieces of chocolate not counting as dessert is the best! I hear you! A block or two of dark belgian chocolate are essential in my book!
Amen to that…and don’t forget the antioxidants in chocolate ;)!
Love these resolutions–they’re so balanced and optimistic! I totally agree that a couple pieces of chocolate do not count as dessert. Those pieces of chocolate are essential to life 🙂
Haha glad I’m not the only one who views chocolate as a necessity!
Love it. Even I am a fitness freak. It is all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle <3
This post is just what I needed Khushboo. I’m making lists, counting the small things and generally trying to stay positive. I’ve jumped back on the wagon this year. I ran like a maniac on the treadmill for 6 days last week. And gained two lbs. It’s going to be a long, hard journey!
Don’t give up…the 2 lbs could merely be water weight! Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll eventually reap the results 🙂
Love all the tips been incorporating them in my daily foods since January 1st after I inhaled a bowl of hummus! To detox after the holiday I have been drinking lemon water in the, snacking on fruits and nuts, exercising daily, and overall trying to enjoying wholesome foods in moderation!
Malv/Khush/Arch: I’m hungry
Maneka: I have hummus
Malv/Khush/Arch: Do you have any bread or anything to eat it with
Maneka: Our fingers
HAHAHAH, hilarious!
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