Happy New Year!
I know that for many of us, the last few weeks of 2023 were unusually full of indulgences. Whether you filled up your plate with sugar cookies, attended wine and cheese parties, enjoyed extra portions of rich meats, or some combination of all of these, it’s likely that you were eating and drinking differently than you normally do. These indulgences can build up over time and lead to inflammation throughout the body.
This means that the sugar aftermath of all those cookies might still be in your system, making you feel puffy and sluggish, contributing to headaches and low back pain, and leading to a wide variety of digestive problems.
As winter sets in and temperatures drop, this inflammation is made even worse by the cold weather, making your muscles stiff and your joints ache. Since this is the time for New Year’s resolutions, it’s also a good time to nip this inflammation in the bud.
Most people think of January as the perfect time to start a new exercise regimen and lose weight, but it’s important to remember that exercise alone won’t be enough to help you trim down if you’re suffering from inflammation. If you want to feel your best as you enter the year, you also must be mindful of what you put into your body.
Now is the perfect time to take a break from sugar and rich indulgences. Focus on eating mostly organic vegetables and other plain, easy to digest foods. Enjoy a plant-based or vegetarian diet for 2 weeks to give your system a chance to clear out the inflammation. Eat meals that have lightly cooked, non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, green peppers, zucchini, salad greens, green beans, etc.), eggs, broth and broth-based soups, and healthy oils. Incorporating high-quality oils such as coconut or walnut oil into your meals throughout the day will help keep you full and satisfied.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water during this time. Staying well-hydrated will ensure that your body is able to flush excess sugar and inflammation out of your system. Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to a bottle of water and keep refilling it throughout the day.
Start your new year by pampering your body and filling it with nutritious foods. You’ll be amazed to see how much better your body, mind and spirit feel. Welcome to a healthy 2024!