If you spent the last few weeks feasting on Christmas mince tarts, ham, nana’s pav, and more than a few cheese platters, then congratulations! So did we! But if you’re anything like us then it’s safe to say you may be feeling the need for a reset, and we’re here to help.

The good news is that you don’t have to fast for a week or do hours upon hours of exercise to get back on track. Your body knows how to heal itself. Here are a few gentle ways you can help it along the way.

Love lemons

Try to kick start your day with warm lemon water, and continue sipping it throughout. Lemons come with so many health benefits, which combined with warm water, can promote hydration and stimulate digestion all day long. Hydration cannot be stressed enough during this time, as consuming enough water is essential to help your liver and kidneys filter out what came before. Quality green tea before and after meals is another great way to keep your metabolism and digestive fire strong, and perfect for those AFDs we are all so in need of right now.

Get moving

Chances are you might need to ease into exercise if you’ve had some time off, and the perfect way to start is by taking a brisk walk after you eat to help to lower your blood sugar levels. Lifting weights and adding in cardiovascular exercise will help boost your metabolism, but whether you’re new to exercise or a dedicated gym bunny, start slowly on your return. You’re more likely to stick with a nutrition plan if you are exercising as well.

Get your greens

Although you may be tempted to eat very little after eating so poorly, it’s important to focus on nourishing, healthy meals that fill you up and fuel your fire. Think fruits, veggies, and plant-based proteins, and if you’re a meat-eater, subbing out half of your usual cut of choice for extra vegetables instead.

Turn up the heat

If going for a run is still too intense to get your head around, try getting your sweat on with a visit to an infrared sauna. The infrared wavelengths of light penetrate deep into your tissues, helping to increase circulation and mobilise toxins for release through your sweat. This release of toxins includes heavy metals and other organic and inorganic compounds, which may support the balance of hormones and improve energy. You will even experience an increase in your heart rate and metabolism during the sauna session as your body attempts to cool itself down, which can help support weight loss. Our go-to for infrared is the HANA wellness space in Auckland’s Grey Lynn, so here’s hoping you can find a great spot near you too.

Let it go

Yes, you overindulged. But you had fun doing it, right? One key for ensuring you get back on track is to let go of any guilt you might be feeling. Nothing good will come of it. In fact, stress actually has been linked to weight gain (yikes!), so get to a place where you’re comfortable with the decisions you made while rewarding yourself with some fun at the end of a tough year.