Nursing a bit of a long weekend energy slump? Yeah, three days of booze, sun, and questionable dietary choices will do that do you (nachos for breakfast seemed like a good idea at the time!).
Step 1: Vow to pack sensible snacks next time you stock up for the cottage. Step 2: Vow to actually stick to the one water for every drink rule next time. Step 3: For now, just follow these tips to get back into fighting shape.
Replace:
Crucial nutrients, that is. Sweating and drinking will starve your body of these vitamins. Give them a boost in a hurry with vitamin C and B12 supplements, as well as a multivitamin. And make up for your junk food binging ways by adding some extra fibre in your diet (look for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables). Chances are, your weekend also included a sugar spike (even if only in alcohol), so make an effort to steer clear of the white stuff, too.
Rehydrate:
Stave off post-weekend grogginess with a big glass of H20. Then keep refilling. If you’re not so hot on drinking plain water, add some lemon or cucumber slices to make it more palatable. And if you’re especially parched from spending hours outdoors, grab a drink with electrolytes (such as Powerade or Gatorade) “ these minerals make it possible for your body to absorb water properly. Milk also contains electrolytes, so add some to a fruit shake for an easy-to-swallow one-stop remedy. Stay away from caffeinated beverages (no matter how much you’re craving that double double), as they’ll only make you more dehydrated.
Reenergize:
Some moderate exercise will bring your energy levels up and help to rid your body of any lingering toxins “ not to mention make a dent in all the extra calories you racked up over the weekend. Head outdoors for a leisurely walk or bike ride and some fresh air. If you’d rather stay in, a little light yoga will also do the trick.
Relax:
A good soak in the tub will also help you to sweat it out, get your circulation back up to speed, and battle that puff-inducing water retention. Throw in some epsom salts for some extra soothing and detoxifing action. And when all else fails, sleep. Hit the hay as early as you can on Monday night to take care of any leftover signs of a rough weekend.