Did the weekend hit you hard? You went out. There were drinks, desserts, more drinks and then snacks. It was so much fun. Except now you feel kind of yuck. And a little guilty.

Maybe you feel a bit sluggish. Maybe you feel bloated. Ugh.

It’s time to undo the damage from the weekend, give your body the wake up it needs and get right back on track. Come on, there’s no time to waste.

No more junk

It might sound obvious, but if you aren’t feeling great a few days of junk free eating will have you back on track in no time. The first step to recovery is some self-discipline: no more sugar, no more crisps and no more alcohol. If you don’t put a stop to your party habits, then it will become harder and harder over time. Draw a line in the sand, get back into routine and jump back into things.

Flush your system

For 48 hours, your objective is to drink as much water as possible. All the poor food choices often make you dehydrated and your poor body doesn’t know what to do with itself. If you are dehydrated then it will account for you being sluggish and your headaches. Sip water throughout the next two days.

What is really helpful is if you put a glass of water by your bed and make sure that you drink it when you get up in the morning. Drink green or rooibos tea and try to keep your coffees to a minimum.

Get some decent sleep

The late nights out mean that your sleeping pattern is broken. Try to make sure that you get to bed early and make up for the lack of sleep. If you want to be able to exercise and do life on Monday then you are going to need to give your body want it wants – some good old rest and relaxation.

Try to go to bed early for a few days.

Eat cleansing food

Fill your diet will small light meals which are not high in fat or carbohydrates. Stick with whole foods for at least 2 days to get yourself back on track. Try not to eat anything greasy (no pizza or burgers). Also, try not to eat a meal late at night. Rather eat early and if you feel like a snack go for fruit or veggies.

Fruit and vegetables should be the bulk of your food as your body needs to get rid of the toxins from the partying. Try not to cook the vegetables as it often removes the nutrients and fibre. Remember you can always make a smoothie or get a light veggie dip.

Don’t be too extreme

Don’t try to starve yourself because you feel guilty. Or do insane work out sessions to even things out. Ease into it and listen to your body. Going to the other extreme won’t make you feel better and it may put you off doing anything in the future.

Go to some motivating exercise classes, keep your goals in mind, don’t give up, find an accountability partner and go for it. You can get back after the weekend, it just takes some smart choices and a little bit of saying No!.