Halloween isn't just a time for kids to indulge; adults are also known to have their fair share of sweet treats during the spooky season, and we're not just talking about candy and chocolate. So, whether you've binged on trick or treat snacks or gulped down a few too many alcoholic drinks in the lead up to the festivities, here are some top tips on how you can detox and face the world afresh one again.
Get moving
It might be tempting to sit and wallow in self-pity with a hangover or sickly stomach after pigging out on chocolate, but staying still for hours won't do you any good. If you're feeling willing and able, we recommend getting stuck into some exercise. Pick an activity which doesn't feel too strenuous for you, whether it's skipping or aerobics, and make sure to break a sweat so you can get rid of all the nasty toxins in your body. Or if you are feeling really delicate, opt for a brisk walk and stop for a few squats and lunges throughout.
Up your water intake
This one is already known, but it shouldn't be underestimated how helpful and beneficial drinking water is. Flush out the bad ingredients in sweets and alcohol by gulping down plenty of H2O, which will also provide much-needed hydration to keep you going. Furthermore, lots of water will boost your energy levels, making you more able to get up and move instead of snoozing on the sofa feeling sorry for yourself.
Adjust your diet
This may be one of the most important steps of detoxing after Halloween. If you've eaten too much sugar, rather than cutting it out completely, wean yourself off candy or chocolate by reaching for naturally sweet treats, like fruits, though a single square of dark chocolate is also great way to curb your sugar addiction as the better quality the chocolate, the higher the levels of antioxidants. These will also help fight off nasties in your body.
RECIPE: Cook up these spooky Halloween cupcakes
You'll also want to eat meals and snacks that give you energy if you're feeling extra tired after a busy weekend. Start the day off with grains in the form of whole grain toast or oatmeal topped with fruit such as bananas or strawberries, then fill yourself up with snacks like hummus - the chickpeas are packed full of protein, fat and carbs which slowly release energy, nuts, which contain riboflavin to convert food into energy. Or snack on an apple, as the slow-releasing fibre will keep you fuller for longer. As for your main meal, make sure it includes ingredients like spinach, brown rice, eggs, salmon or lentils, all of which have been linked to boosting energy levels.
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