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Your Thanksgiving Recovery Plan

I wrote this blog on Black Friday last year feeling like the cat in this picture. I feel much better on this Friday morning but my advice remains the same. Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanksgiving is one of a few holiday feasts that will probably take place over the remainder of the year, and beyond that recovering from any period of unhealthy eating is mostly the same. 

Your body is always trying to reach a balance known as homeostasis. That's why after indulging last night you may have said to yourself "I'm never eating again". Don't do that. Instead do these four things.

1. Get Over It

Yes, get over it. It's perfectly normal and acceptable to indulge every once in a while. You doubled down with a second plate and accidentally put too much gravy on your mashed potatoes for the second time. What is done can, mostly, not be undone. What matters is what happens next.

2. Hydrate

You're probably feeling very bloated even the day after your feast. Your first inclination might be to avoid drinking water to prevent yourself from bloating even more, but that's a mistake. You need to flush out your system. Drink at least 8oz of water every hour. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.

3. Move

The same as hydration, you probably just want to lay on your back with your belly in the air breathing heavily. Again, you need to do the opposite. Do not mistake this for punishment or treat it that way. You just need to go for a 30-minute walk or get a light workout in. Do not overreach by attempting to do some super intense workout you wouldn't normally do. 

4. Eat

Do not attempt to starve yourself or fast. Instead, focus on eating healthy foods. Start your morning with a breakfast high in protein and fiber. After a binge, this will help aid in the digestion of last night's meal and ward off the hunger that's going to come later in the day.

Conclusion

It's normal to indulge every once in a while. It can be part of a sustainable healthy lifestyle. It only becomes problematic if it increases in frequency. There can't be an occasion every week that justifies you eating 7,000 calories in a day. Start back up your healthy habits and carry on into the weekend. I hope you find some great deals online and in stores. Happy Thanksgiving!


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