It’s Monday and the Diwali holiday is officially over. I understand if you want to sit in a corner and cry a little. I feel you.
Nothing can beat the vibe Diwali has in India; you feel it in the air! It is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. And I know today most of us (especially those who had been on a fitness journey) must have stood on the weighing scale and gasped a little. Before the guilt adds to the post-Diwali Monday-blues, let’s find a way to restore the factory settings. I know we all got carried away, hogging up on the sweets, the ghar ka khana, the party snacks, and the random Zomato deliveries.
Here are ten easy and effective ways to do the post Diwali detox and get back on track after Diwali, (something to keep you occupied, now that Diwali is over *sigh*):
1. Hydrate with Detox Water
One of the simplest ways to flush out toxins is by drinking plenty of water. Boost your hydration by adding detoxifying ingredients like lemon, mint, cucumber, and ginger to your water. You will easily get them in your fridge. They will aid digestion, reduce bloating, and help cleanse your system.
Tip: Start your day with a glass of warm water mixed with lemon and honey to kickstart your metabolism.
2. Go Green with Leafy Vegetables
After days of indulgence, it’s time to fill your plate with greens. Leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, celery, lettuce, etc. are packed with antioxidants and fiber that help cleanse the liver and improve digestion. A simple green salad or a vegetable smoothie can work wonders in balancing your diet.
3. Herbal Or Green Teas to the Rescue
Herbal teas like green tea, chamomile, or ginger tea are excellent for detoxification. They not only soothe your digestive system but also speed up the detox process by flushing out toxins. Jeera or fennel tea is especially beneficial for liver health after heavy eating.
If you like your teas in a bag, here are a few of my personal favourites:
- Girnar Design Kahwa Green Tea
- Organic India Tulsi Ginger Turmeric Green Tea
- Organic India Tulsi Green Tea
4. Cut Down on Sugar and Processed Foods
During Diwali, sweets take center stage (for obvious reasons), but post-festival, it’s time to give sugar a break (and fight the urge to empty all the mithai dabbas in your fridge).
Fried and junk foods and sugar can slow down your metabolism and make you feel lethargic. Switch to natural sweeteners like honey or dates if you have a craving, and focus on whole foods. My dietician also suggests having a cube of dark chocolate to subside the cravings. Try if that works for you.
5. Eat Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber is essential for cleansing your digestive system and eliminating toxins (and easing out the constipation). Incorporate fiber-rich foods like oats, quinoa, flaxseeds, and fruits like apples and pears into your meals. These foods help regulate your digestive system and keep you feeling light.
If there is trouble with bowel movements after all those Diwali parties, incorporate Psyllium Husk or Chia seed water in the diet.
6. Yoga and Deep Breathing
Detoxification isn’t just about food. Engaging in yoga and deep breathing exercises helps oxygenate your body and stimulate digestion. Poses like the seated twist or downward-facing dog aid in digestion, while pranayama (breathing exercises) can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
Also, the breath-work will help relax your body and cleanse the lungs of the toxic firework smokes you inhaled.
Tip: Try a gentle 20-minute yoga session focusing on twists to activate your digestive organs.
7. Get Plenty of Sleep
The Diwali preparations leave you tired and sleepless because of the late nights and catch-ups with friends and family. Most of you must have also traveled to and from home for Diwali, which leaves you tired (on top of the blues).
Sleep is crucial for detoxification. While you’re resting, your body gets to work repairing and detoxifying. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep to allow your body to rejuvenate after all the festive excitement.
8. Go Light on Meals
After heavy, rich meals, it’s important to give your digestive system a break. Opt for smaller, lighter meals that are easy to digest. Soups, broths, and fresh salads are great options to help your body recover and feel lighter. Let your gut also relax a bit.
9. Engage in Light Physical Activity
You don’t need to jump back into intense workouts right away. I know, it goes against the will of so many of us.
Let’s start with light physical activity like walking or a short jog to get your blood circulating. Exercise helps boost your metabolism and aids the detox process by encouraging sweating, which is another way the body eliminates toxins.
10. Dry Brushing for Skin Detox
Did you know your skin is your largest detox organ? Dry brushing is a great way to exfoliate your skin, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and improve circulation.
Using a natural bristle brush, gently brush your skin in circular motions before a shower to help release toxins through your pores. It is also a relaxing activity and makes you feel like the blood is actually flowing in your body. Dry brushing also helps get rid of the dry and dead skin, which will help you now that the weather is getting a cold and dry.
Final Thoughts:
Post-Diwali detox isn’t about depriving yourself—it’s about bringing your body back into balance after all the fun and indulgence. By making small changes, like hydrating more, eating cleaner, and moving your body, you can help your system feel rejuvenated and ready for the season ahead!
And let’s not give up hope yet. We have Christmas and New Year coming along. So, look alive! Rise and shine.