Nov20
How to Detox After Thanksgiving in 6 Simple Steps
Oh, Thanksgiving.
We approach you with the best intentions, but sometimes your stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are just too tempting.
If you’re like most Americans, you’ll probably consume more sugar, gluten, and empty carbs than you have all year.
But don’t guilt trip yourself.
Instead, take action to get back on track and help your body recover the best way possible - with the nutrients it needs to re-balance and thrive.
Because our readers are like family, I’ve put together a 6-step game plan to help you do just that! It’s uniquely designed to regulate your blood sugar levels AND reset your digestive system fast. Let’s get to it.
6 Actions Steps to Recover from the Thanksgiving Feast Beast
1. Go for a Walk
You’re probably feeling pretty tired after all that turkey (thank you, tryptophan!), but you should really plan for a quick walk that night. First, it’ll help get rid of that “stuffed” feeling, but it’ll also help you metabolize your food better.
Plus, a study from George Washington University shows that a 15-minute walk after feasting can help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes.
2. Get Extra Sleep That Night
The busy lives we lead leave little time for sleep….or at least that’s how it feels. But you should really log at least 9 hours of sleep. Doing so helps prevent cravings for sugary foods that are nutritionally deplete while also helping you regain control over your appetite.
In fact, an American Heart Association study revealed that missing just 80 minutes of sleep caused participants to consume an extra 550 calories the following day!
3. Hydrate First Thing in the Morning!
Your body probably needs a little go-go juice to wake up your detox & digestive systems. Try drinking 10 oz of warm water with a little all-natural lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne (if you can handle it).
This simple detox drink will wake up your liver and encourage healthy bile flow. A nice hot cup of turmeric tea is another great option, or try my delicious IGNITE Tea Recipe!
4. Eat a Healthy Breakfast the Next Day
Ok, this one’s pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this advice is ignored. A high protein breakfast is essential to detoxing from overindulgence since protein works to naturally balance blood sugar.
Not to mention, it gives your body a break from all the sugar and empty carbs that it is still trying to process.
A few easy and delicious ideas include eggs sautéed in coconut oil with a side of nuts and seeds, or even a protein smoothie loaded with leafy greens and your favorite protein powder.
5. Load Up on Protein at Lunch
Continue your protein streak (and that blood sugar balancing power) through lunch with a lean protein meal and complex carbohydrates.
Now is a good time to work in some leftover turkey, but instead of stuffing, pair it with some detoxifying cruciferous veggies and an avocado to get in some healthy fats.
6. Detox at Dinner
The last meal of the day is all about detoxing even further and setting yourself up for success the next day. Choose some lean protein and pair it with raw sauerkraut, which has built-in enzymes to help you digest better.
Also, try to work in some liver-supportive veggies like beets, carrots, asparagus, or broccoli sprouts.
And hey, it’s not too late to add some healthy side dishes to your turkey spread! These are some of our family’s favorites:
