Full transparency here: I hate the word reset. It makes it seem like you did something wrong and need to start over. And eating more than usual is definitely not doing something wrong.
I’m often asked this exact question with pretty similar wording, so I wanted to use this wording to help answer it. But to very clear, we’re using “reset” in a very vague way here.
Let’s start with the basics: it’s normal to eat more than usual during holidays, special events or get togethers. It’s more than normal. And it’s perfectly okay.
In fact, not only do I not expect you to eat like usual during these times, but I also wouldn’t want you too. Nothing is more boring or less enjoyable than bringing your own meal prepped salmon and rice to a holiday party.
The holidays are fun times to enjoy traditional holiday foods or just food that’s different than your norm. And I want you to enjoy that!
I also want you to feel good, physically and mentally, both during the holidays and afterwards.
Here are a few things you can do after the holidays or after any social event to feel good.
First and most importantly, don’t obsess or beat yourself up.
I really can’t stress this one enough. You did nothing wrong by eating and enjoying a holiday meal. In fact, if you truly enjoyed, you did it right.
The only way to do it wrong would be to bring guilt or shame into the equation. And even if you did do that, don’t worry. It can be really hard to avoid, but not impossible.
Remember that you are allowed to eat food. You have permission to enjoy any food. And you are allowed to enjoy food on the holidays.
One meal isn’t making a dent in your health. Neither is one day. Or one week. Try to remind yourself of these things and not ruminate too much over what you did or didn’t eat.
Next, resume eating normal meals and snacks.
When I say normal meals and snacks, I truly mean normal: protein, fat, carbs, veggies, fruit, grains, and everything in between.
You don’t need to make up for eating more than usual. And you don’t need to restrict any food groups.
And actually, doing either of those things usually backfires. Because at some point, you end up overly hungry, then overeating, and then restricting again. And so, the cycle continues.
Simply eat normal meals and snacks. Try to eat when you’re hungry. Honor what your body is saying it’s craving. Doing this is the best way to start feeling more physically comfortable.
Our bodies are smart and naturally crave balance… as long as we let them do their thing.
Make sure to stay hydrated.
It sounds simple, but water is so powerful!
Drinking water actually does a lot for your body, too. It helps your body to function properly, helps your digestive system stay regular and just keeps you feeling good.
Water is one thing that often gets easily overlooked in the midst of holiday parties and special events. If you didn’t drink enough of it at your holiday party, it’s okay! Aim to get enough now.
You’d be surprised how much a little water can help towards keeping you feeling good.
And if you don’t love water, there are so many other ways to stay hydrated, too. Sparkling water is great. Flavor your water with fruit or herbs. And don’t forget, fruit itself is super hydrating!
Practice enjoyable movement if you feel like it.
Enjoyable movement means something that sounds good to you and that you find fun. It’s something that… you actually enjoy.
It doesn’t mean run 5 miles even though you hate running. And it doesn’t mean trying to burn off all the calories you think you ate.
Instead, do something that you like and that feels good. Movement is so beneficial in helping our energy levels and mental clarity – both things that can feel really good when you feel sluggish!
But, on top of making sure it’s an activity you enjoy, also make sure you’re feeling up for doing it. There’s nothing worse than exercise feeling like punishment.
There’s a chance that you may feel tired and not want to exercise. This is more than okay. In this case, sleep and rest will probably do your body much better than forced movement.
Recognize what you’re craving in terms of movement, and do just that.
Avoid any detoxes or crash diets.
I’ll repeat: you do not need to do a detox or crash diet.
Like I mentioned above with restricting, the same thing applies here. All detoxes or crash diet just fuel that restrict and binge cycle.
Let’s avoid that, k?
Moreover, you just don’t need to do them. Your body is smart. It doesn’t need some crazy detox in order to detox itself. Simply by eating regular, balanced meals and drinking enough water, your liver and kidneys will do what they’re designed to do: detox.
Give yourself a few days. You may feel a little sluggish and less like yourself the day after a holiday party. But I guarantee, after a few days of eating normal meals and snacks – and not detoxing – you really will start to feel more like yourself.
As tempting as it may sound to restrict or eat super “clean” after an event or the holidays, please, please avoid doing things like these.
Not only do they straight up not work (you end up feeling hungry or restricted and overeating eventually!), but also, they’re just not necessary.
You’re allowed to eat more than usual from time to time. You’re not a robot who needs the same amount of meal prepped food every single day.
Life is about enjoying food and everything that comes with it, including the taste, social aspect and memories created. It would be really boring if we just ate the same homecooked meals every dang day.
You’re allowed to mix it up. To eat foods that aren’t homemade. To eat meals that aren’t perfectly balanced. To enjoy foods that taste good. And to eat a little more than you’re hungry for.
Remember these things this holiday season and enjoy as best as you can.
Want more tips on creating an easy, sustainable healthy relationship with food? Check out my membership program, All Foods Fit, with 12 thorough lessons to teach easy ways to create a healthy relationship with food. Or, check out my e-book, 7 Days to Make All Foods Fit, to learn a step by step guide to create a healthier relationship with food in just 7 days.
