Mardi Gras tends to be the time of year that all New Year’s resolutions to make healthy choices get thrown out the window. After all, “Mardi Gras” quite literally translates to “Fat Tuesday” and is meant to be celebrated by feasting upon fatty foods before the lenten season begins.
Because this celebration is literally built around enjoying foods that aren’t very nutritious for the body, how can one make healthy choices at such a time? Have no fear, the Aspen Clinic is here to lend a hand with some tips on how to get yourself back on track after Mardi Gras!
Positive Attitude
Don’t feel bad about indulging during Mardi Gras. Positive thoughts are vital when it comes to getting yourself back on track, as they increase our motivation and energy levels, which will ultimately act as a catalyst for achieving our lifestyle goals!
Don’t Skip Breakfast
It’s a tale as old as time- breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Getting yourself back on track starts with getting back into beneficial habits. Starting the day off with a nutritious breakfast will help put you on track to make healthy choices for the rest of the day. People who eat breakfast tend to be more mindful of their diets, and have more energy!
Drink Water When You Wake Up
Water fires up your metabolism, keeps you hydrated, helps your body flush out those Mardi Gras toxins, gives your brain fuel, and may even help curb some lingering hunger cravings!
Make Lunch Your Biggest Meal
Not only will a big lunch suppress some hunger, it can also help decrease an afternoon slump! Don’t break your healthy stride just because you get a couple of cravings before dinner. Keep yourself on track with a substantial lunch.
Don’t Eat Too Close To Bedtime
Eating before bed can cause the body’s metabolism to slow. The body slows down its functions at night to prepare for sleep, but consuming foods, especially those high in carbs, can make it harder to digest and result in even more weight gain.
Move Everyday
It is no secret that exercise and weight loss go hand-in-hand, but it will even help put you back in the mindset of a healthy lifestyle! Moving around every day, even if only for 15 minutes, will be incredibly beneficial to getting yourself back on track!
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is like nutrition for the brain, and after a few days with nutrition on the back burner, you’ll need it more than ever! Most people need between 7 and 9 hours each night, and according to WebMD, too little sleep triggers a cortisol spike. This stress hormone signals your body to conserve energy to fuel your waking hours. Translation: You’re more apt to hang on to fat. Your mind and your body will thank you for fueling them both with a good night of sleep, and will even reward you with some weight loss!
Detox with Liver Kidney Supplement
The liver and kidneys are the body’s filtration system. Much like the lint filter in your clothes dryer- they all need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The liver and kidneys work to rid the body of all the toxins as well as performing other functions, many of which are “vital” functions. The liver has over 600 functions that are crucial for the body to sustain itself. These organs can only function properly when they are kept clean and provided with certain nutrients. It would be a great idea to flush your system out for a clean slate post Mardi Gras!
Join The Aspen Clinic – We Have 9 Locations in Louisiana
The Aspen Clinic program is based on lifestyle changes, not temporary dieting. In summary, our program is designed to increase your metabolism and help you develop a new set of eating and activity habits. We will individualize your program according to your daily caloric needs to ensure that you are losing fat and avoiding the loss of lean muscle mass.
Visit any of our Aspen Clinic locations across Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Covington, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Prairieville, and Slidell, or schedule an appointment today to get started!