The new year is all about starting new habits and resolutions – but what if you didn’t have to start from scratch every January?
Rhian Stephenson, CEO of Pyscle London, says the time between Christmas and New year is crucial if you want to start the new year on a healthy note.
The London gym founder, who is helping to relaunch the gyms eight to 12-week energy plans, reveals that in order to feel great, as we step into the new year, you can make tiny swaps like cutting out on the frivolous snacking and limiting your unconscious eating.
The health and fitness expert also says that the connection between what we eat and how we feel is often over looked, while detoxing is great, but only worth it in the ‘context of a greater plan.’
The health and fitness expert also says that the connection between what we eat and how we feel is often over looked, while detoxing is great, but only worth it in the ‘context of a greater plan.’ (stock picture)
FOOD SWAPS
Rhian says that, even though Christmas is only a few days, allowing too much indulgence, for too long, leaves us feeling terrible as we come into the new year.
‘A lot of people completely stop exercising when they start to eat badly, there’s a mentality of ‘oh I’ll just start later’ but it’s important not to drop all of your healthy habits.
She reveals that it’s important to stick to your normal routines, when it comes to food and drink.
‘It’s important to avoid having a ‘quick fix’ or sweet breakfast, like a chocolate croissant, which you feel will give you instant energy, but will actually end up making you feel worse.’
Rhian Stephenson, founder of Pyscle London, says the time between Christmas and New year is crucial if you want to start the new year on a healthy note.
‘The night after a heavy day, like Christmas, it’s important to hydrate first thing, and get some good quality protein, fat and veg.
‘Eggs, avocado and mushrooms are the perfect breakfast post Christmas, add some fruit for carbohydrate or sliced tomatoes and ditch the white bread & butter or pastries.’
TOO MUCH SUGAR
‘Alcohol, sugar, processed foods and overindulging in general with heavy food like excess meat, or fried and fatty foods will deplete energy’, says the health and fitness expert.
‘Too much booze also affects liver function and prevents the body from excreting estrogen, it alters the metabolism and increases cortisol, affects mood, sleep, depletes essential minerals and is dehydrating.
‘Processed foods are laden with chemicals and additives that affect gut health, hormone balance and adversely affect your metabolism.
‘And I think we’re all familiar with excess sugar and how it wreaks havoc on our mood and energy because of its effect on insulin. The body is incredibly smart and well equipped to digest real food, but with food processing and manufacturing there are a host of ingredients that are added to food that the body isn’t equipped to deal with.’
Instead she says opt for whole, unprocessed foods, focusing on plenty of vegetables, whole grains, high quality protein and fruit.
LIMIT UNCONSCIOUS EATING
Rhian says that most of us, especially on boxing day, or on the lead up to New Year, will end up eating, just for the sake of it – and all of the wrong foods.
‘There are always excess chocolates laying around during the days after Christmas, that people end up eating just because they’re there, but staying conscious is important.
The health and fitness experts says that the you should ‘commit to moving every day during Christmas’
‘Before you know it you can easily wrack up 1000 extra calories just from biscuits and chocolates that you never intended to eat!
Make sure you enjoy the things that matter – a great Christmas dessert with your family or friends, and avoid the stuff that doesn’t.’
‘Cut the frivolous snacking and sweets out and do your best to limit unconscious eating.
If you have a lot of Christmas parties to go to I always recommend that you eat something healthy before you go, that way you’re less likely to dive into the canapes and snacks.
DETOX YOUR BODY
‘I believe in detoxes, but only in the context of a greater plan,’ warns Rhian.
‘For example, I don’t believe detoxes are healthy if they’re a part of a binge cycle – ie. being incredibly unhealthy for three months and then doing a seven day juice fast, before the next three months of partying – this is not a sustainable or healthy practice.
‘However, as a part of a kick start to a healthier regime, they can be incredibly motivating. The most important thing to do is manage expectations and have a plan for after the detox.
‘For example, I hear so many people go out for a really unhealthy treat meal with lots of alcohol the day after they finish a detox – this is completely counterproductive.
‘Detoxes are great as either a phase one of a bigger plan or as a seasonal tool to support a regime that is working towards overall health.
For more information of Pyscle’s energy plan go to www.psyclelondon.com for more information.