Do you feel like you need a detox after vacation?
Most of us start to feel sluggish and overloaded from indulging while traveling. This is especially true as we age!
Read on to learn strategies to get back to feeling your best post-vacation!
What is a Diet Detox?
As a dietitian, I do not support the idea that a diet can rid your body of toxins. Your liver and kidneys do a great job of this on their own!
I use the term “detox” to describe a period of time in which one refrains from unhealthy foods and alcohol.
Think of it as a “reset button“. A way for you to feel better and recover from a period of regular indulgences.
Signs You Need a Post-Vacation Detox
- Digestive issues
- Feeling sluggish or fatigued
- Weight gain
- Post-vacation bloat/water retention
- Skin breakouts
- Mood swings & irritability
- Poor sleep
Benefits of a Post-Vacation Cleanse Diet
- Increased energy
- Improved digestion
- Clearer skin
- Reduced water retention and bloating
- Weight loss
- Improved sleep
Risks Associated with a Diet Detox
Not all detox diets are created equal. This particular plan is a short-term, moderate approach to “detoxing” from fun foods. It also involves an alcohol detox after a vacation.
Be cautious of any detox diets that promote fasting, food restriction, laxatives, and/or excessive fluid intake.
In addition, individuals with a history of an eating disorder or disordered eating should avoid detox diets.
Always consult your healthcare provider prior to making any extreme changes to your eating routine.
7 Ways to Detox After Vacation
- Hydrate: drink plenty of fluids without added sugar. Water and tea are your best options. Add fruit to your water for additional benefits. Check out this Age-Defying Dietitian blog post “The Refreshing Benefits of Infused Water with Fruit” for more information.
- Increase fiber intake: Fiber helps with digestion. Increase your dietary fiber to restore regular bowel movements.
- Limit processed foods and added sugar: These foods increase inflammation in your body and promote water retention. Aim to eat mainly whole foods for a few days after your trip to eliminate that post-vacation bloat!
- Avoid alcohol: Take some time off from alcohol use. This will have a huge impact on both your physical and your mental health. Need some ideas on healthy beverages to replace alcohol? Check this out – “Best Alcohol Substitutes for a Summer Buzz“”.
- Make sleep a priority: A good night’s sleep of 7-9 hours helps your body recover faster.
- Move: Aim to get in some movement most days. Activity will improve digestive issues, mood, and water retention.
- Practice stress management: Returning from some time off can be difficult. There may be additional stressors such as catching up at work and all that needs to be done to feel settled. Try meditation, yoga, exercise, or anything that you find helpful when stressed.
Post Vacation Cleanse Diet
Below is a sample 3-day eating plan to help you reset following vacation. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline, as nutritional needs vary from person to person.
If you have specific health conditions such as diabetes, you should refer to your healthcare provider or dietitian for specific guidelines.
Remember to focus on hydration and drink water throughout the day. You should also avoid alcohol.
Day 1
Breakfast: Start your day with a healthy smoothie that includes a variety of fresh fruits and veggies.
Check out this dietitian-approved gut-healing smoothie from Menopause Better for inspiration!
Snack: Enjoy a handful of unsalted nuts such as almonds or pistachios.
Lunch: Prepare a large salad with grilled chicken and vegetables. Top it with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice.
Bagged salads offer a quick and easy option. These Best Anti-Inflammatory Salad Kits for Healthy Aging are healthy and convenient.
Snack: Slice up about a cup of fresh fruit such as strawberries, apples, or oranges.
Dinner: Prepare baked salmon or chicken with herbs and lemon. Serve with steamed broccoli and quinoa.
Evening: Enjoy a cup of herbal or green tea.
Check out this Age-Defying Dietitian blog post for more healthy snack options “10 Easy Low-Sugar Snacks You’ll Love“.
Day 2
Breakfast: Start your day with a healthy smoothie that includes a variety of fresh fruits and veggies.
Check out this celery smoothie from Dr. Su-Nui Escobar, DCN, RDN at Menopause Better – “Celery Smoothie: A Refreshing and Healthy Drink“.
Snack: Enjoy a hard-boiled egg and a handful of carrots.
Lunch: Make a veggie wrap with a whole-grain tortilla. Fill it with hummus and fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, and tomatoes. Serve with fresh fruit.
Snack: Enjoy a handful of nuts with a piece or cup of fresh fruit.
Dinner: Prepare a vibrant stir fry with lots of colorful vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
Cook with a small amount of oil and season with herbs and spices. Serve over brown rice.
Evening: Drink some warm water with lemon before bed.
Day 3
Breakfast: Start your day with a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with berries and nuts.
Snack: Munch on some carrot sticks dipped in hummus.
Lunch: Prepares a healthy tuna salad. Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt, diced celery, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve on whole grain bread or lettuce leaves. Add a side of fresh fruit or juice if you like.
Snack: Slice up an apple with 1 slice or ounce of cheddar cheese.
Dinner: Make a delicious Caprese salad with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
Check out this Classic Caprese Salad from Love & Lemons for some inspiration.
Evening: Enjoy a cup of herbal or green tea.
Sample meal plans can be challenging as they do not account for individual taste preferences.
Check out 7 Healthy Aging Breakfasts and 10 Low Sugar Snacks for Healthy Aging for more ideas if needed.
Takeaways
In conclusion, a post-vacation detox can be a beneficial way to reset and rejuvenate your body!
It focuses on nourishing your body with whole foods, hydrating adequately, avoiding alcohol, and reducing processed foods and sugar.
Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure it aligns with your individual needs and to avoid any potential health risks.
After a few days of healthy habits, you’ll be back to feeling your best and ready for your next vacation!
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Kathryn is a Registered Dietitian and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is also Certified through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Weight Management. She has 20+ years of nutrition experience working in a variety of healthcare settings. Her passion is to provide evidence-based nutrition information that supports vitality and longevity!