So You Overindulged, Now What?

Why Ying the Yang of course!

For me, part of a good life is eating delicious food. The key to enjoying it is to feel good. That means eating with some moderation and balance.

I like to “pre-pay” for my indulgences and/or Ying the Yang the day of and/or following a “feast” so there are as few repercussions as possible.

Here is what I do:

PREPARE  The day of the event:

• I always start the day (and every day) with a big glass of water before I do anything else. It wakes me up and gives me energy. On this special day, I have 4 glasses of water before I eat and then another 4 glasses through-out the day.

• I have my usual protein shake for breakfast and light lunch, like a big salad with chicken breast. I make sure to include a lean protein in each meal as this satiates the appetite, I don’t want to feel hungry.

• I drink 1-2 glasses of water right before the event and if I’m hungry I have a light healthy snack before I go.

At the event:

• I avoid or limit starchy food that will make me feel bloated and full: rice, potatoes, bread, pasta, crackers, etc. It really makes a difference to avoid too much of these foods.

• I’m picky and choosy,  I try not to eat crap!  I savour the food I love and take my time.

• I consider each thing I eat and ask myself: Is it worth it? Is it crap? How will I feel after I eat this? Crap makes you feel like crap!

• I eat one and enjoy it. Having more doesn't make it more enjoyable, especially if you feel sick from over-eating afterwards. Of course, sometimes it’s worth having more!

• What to do if you find yourself parked in front of the chips eating the entire bowl even though you don’t like/want them:

  • Recognize what you're doing

  • Ask yourself why… am I bored? uncomfortable? eating unconsciously?

  • Pull yourself away and drink a tall glass of water

  • Repeat if you find yourself back at the bowl

After the event:

• Before bed, I take a probiotic or a glass bubbly water with a little lime juice to help with digestion.

• The next morning I’m usually still full from the night before so I skip breakfast – the key here is to take a moment to notice how you feel.

• I start the day with 4 glasses of water and then have another 4 through-out the day.

• I eat extra healthy the next few days: salads, fruit, vegetables, lean protein (and everyday). Careful to not get on the overindulging wagon!

• It’s just as easy to lose a few pounds as it is to gain a few pounds. Don't starve yourself to do this! That's the absolute worst tactic. Just eat healthy, no crap, smaller portions, lots of water, cut the sugar, make sure to have lean protein at every meal.

• I get moving: a long walk, the gym, a class.

• It’s so easy to become addicted to the sugar, notice if this starts to happen and taper it down.