Post-Holiday Metabolic Reset

by Angela Halderson

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year. We get to see friends and family, spread love and cheer, and take time to heal from yet another difficult year. No doubt most of us did quite a bit of indulging – a little more turkey here, an extra slice of pie there, washed down with another old fashioned and chased with a frosted cookie or two. And while fun was had by all, this fall off of your “diet wagon” did nothing to help your waistline. 

The poor eating habits and inconsistent eating patterns brought on by holiday gatherings can slow down your metabolism and put extra stress on your liver. A sluggish liver slows your metabolism even further and can result in weight gain, postnasal drip, brain fog, exacerbated food cravings, fatigue, and not to mention indigestion.   If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or know you really failed in treating your body like a temple at the New Year’s bash, it is time for a post-holiday metabolic reset.

A metabolic reset is an easy and effective way to cleanse and support a stressed and slow metabolism. A metabolic reset program is a 28-day meal plan consisting of:

• Grass-fed/free-range proteins. Protein breaks down into amino acids like methionine, leucine, cysteine, and arginine to help support proper liver function and detoxification. A balanced meal includes protein that will help stabilize blood sugar and minimize food cravings.
• Organic fruits and non-starchy vegetables. These are great sources of fiber that are necessary to stabilize blood sugar and promote proper elimination of toxins from the body. Organic produce is a rich source of antioxidants like beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and bioflavonoids. Plants also give us polyphenols – plant chemicals rich in color (think blueberries and pomegranates) that are food for your beneficial gut bacteria. This promotes a healthy colon and proper elimination. Choosing organic produce is even more important during a metabolic reset because we want to eliminate toxins, not add additional toxins, such as pesticides, into our body.
• Minerals. Conventional agricultural practices have depleted soils of vital minerals. A season of white flour cookies and extra alcohol depletes minerals from the body. While meat can be a good source of iron, organ meats are riches in minerals, yet have virtually been eliminated from the American diet. Opting for mineral water, using Celtic Sea Salt, or taking a multi-mineral supplement can help replete mineral levels.

These nutrients support the three phases of metabolic detoxification:

• Phase 1 unlocks toxins from fat cells. Think of that spare tire as extra storage site for Red Dye #40, preservatives such as sulfites or BHT, PBA from plastic containers and canned foods, mercury from fish or amalgams, and aluminum from baking powder or food containers.
• Phase 2 neutralizes oxidative stress caused by alcohol intake, medications, frequent snacking, or smoking.
• Phase 3 supports proper bowel elimination. Toxins that come into the body need to get out! Healthy elimination means having two to four bowel movements a day.

January and February are the perfect time of year to reset your metabolism and renew your body. By stimulating your body’s natural detoxification process you will help remove accumulated toxins and renew your body’s metabolism. This leads to less bloating and indigestion, decreased food cravings, increased energy, improved sleep, and weight loss!