Holiday Detox

Despite my best intentions, I overindulged a bit over this holiday weekend. My first experience with Tofurkey was a positive one -- so much so that my eyes were bigger than my stomach. I have a feeling I'm not alone in my overindulgence. If so, here are a few suggestions for the Monday after holiday detox:

• A cleanse. I love the idea of doing a cleanse a few times each year. Some folks like to cleanse at the start of each season. I like to cleanse when my body is sending me signals that I need it. My favorite cleanse is Ultimate Energy Cleanse. This gentle yet effective cleanse focuses on fresh juices and lifestyle modification offering an opportunity to change unhealthy habits and detox your mind, body, and spirit. When I'm feeling out of sorts and my body is feeling dull and in need of purification, this is the cleanse that I turn to.
• Yoga. Being that this is a yoga blog, it's no surprise that I'm suggesting yoga for detox. Twists and forward bends are excellent for detoxifying the body. If you're looking for a wonderful free yoga detox practice, check out NYC yogi Sadie Nardini's wonderful Fists of Fire Detox sequences on her YouTube page. When I'm feeling as though I've overdosed on food, I have a floor sequence that I enjoy:
• • Lie on back with legs straight out in front of you. Rest hands on lower abdomen and breathe into the space.
  • Inhale legs up and exhale them over to one side. Repeat 3 times on each side.
  • Rest for 4 breaths
  • Bring your knees to your chest with the breath (inhale knees towards you, exhale knees away) 6 times.
  • Happy Baby
  • Seated twist
  • Seated twist with knees down on floor
  • Seated forward bend
  • Come to all fours
  • Exhale into Extended Child's Pose, inhale into cat 6 times
  • Down dog
• Drink water with fresh lemon slices and/or detox tea (I prefer Yogi Detox Tea)
• Sit in Rock Pose -- sit in a kneeling position (buttocks on heels) for 7 minutes after each meal

Even though Thanksgiving has passed, it's not too late to enjoy a Thanksgiving Meditation. The wonderful folks over at Heart Rhythm Meditation have an excellent one on YouTube. Click here to see it.

Despite my attempt to stuff myself full of Tofurkey, I still have some leftovers sitting in my refrigerator. I think I'll limit myself to a small plate next time I dive in. I'm already sipping my lemon water. And I'll be doing another round of detox yoga tomorrow morning. That should go a long way towards banishing my holiday food hangover. May you be happy. May you be free of bulging bellies. May you feel energetic. May you enjoy a post holiday glow!

Namaste!

Comments

[Diane Cesa]

Hi Yoga Mat Reviews -- I wouldn't have recommended it if I hadn't used it myself and loved it. The UEC lasts for 7 days. I've done it a few times. Each time I felt great. It's gentle but effective. It's a great way to break poor eating habits and to make healthy changes. There's a lifestyle component to this cleanse that I really like -- that's why they include body care products with it. I use the recipes in the guide all the time as well. I'll probably do another cleanse after the holidays. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me. I'm happy to help in any way that I can.

[Diane Cesa]

You're welcome Sydney! Sadie is a great teacher and that quick routine is powerful but effective. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your comment!

[Diane Cesa]

Thanks Yoga for Cynics! I agree with you about this time of year. My body wants to go into hibernation mode and eat more. Not a good combo!

[Diane Cesa]

Hi Flo! I loved the Tofurkey! I'm so glad you like the recommendations. The Ultimate Energy Cleanse is great! I often use the recipes from the guide. Yummy! Sadie is a great teacher. I'm glad you like. Thank you for your comments and your well wishes! Hope you're having a great week as well!

[YogaBlogger]

Great Advice!, and Great Blog!

[Sydney]

Thanks for the Fists of Fire Detox sequence recommendation; I tried Part One last night and I LOVED it! It sure does generate a lot of heat. It was a fun workout, and today I feel great. I think something released in my shoulders, too. :)

[yoga mat reviews]

How long have you been taking ultimate energy cleanse? Does it honestly work?

[YogaforCynics]

Great advice...I my particular part of the world, this is a particularly dangerous time, with the big holiday feasts coinciding with shorter, colder days, so that, causing me (and many others) to be far less active...usually, it's not until January that I realize how far I've slid physically in the course of a month or two...so thanks for a nudge toward keeping that from happening this year...namaste

[Flo]

Mmmm Tofurky! I tend to over do it during the holidays as well. Even on veggie dishes. Thank you for the suggestion on The clenase. I always have issues finding one that works for me.I have a box of the Yogi Detox tea. It has a very strong flavor but it helps for sure.
I <3 Sadie and her power yoga sequences.
I hope you have a wonderful Tofurky day a good start to your week.