Holiday Weekend Detoxes Are Overrated

Today, we’re diving into a topic that stirs up quite the debate – holiday weekend detoxes after a weekend of gluten. It’s a love-hate relationship for many, and rightly so. Detoxes have gained popularity, specifically, those you can buy online without a prescription or recommendation from a healthcare professional.

Is detox really necessary, especially after a fun holiday weekend? Let’s jump into why you might want to think twice before jumping on the holiday weekend detox bandwagon.

The Holiday Weekend Detox Dilemma:

I recently was targeted by a wellness company on Instagram with their newest offer – a five-day detox, just in time for post-holiday recovery. I immediately hit “not interested” and got the ad out of sight. However, I know a lot of people don’t know any better, and a holiday weekend detox sounds like a great idea… especially if you’ve enjoyed a little too much gluten as someone who’s gluten-sensitive.

Here’s the thing – these detoxes were not designed by medical professionals. They were generic, one-size-fits-all solutions. I quickly realized that detoxes from a doctor or functional medicine practitioner serve a specific purpose, but these off-the-shelf options are different.

The Problem with Holiday Weekend Detoxes:

Many companies start pushing detoxes and cleanses as we lead up to holidays like Labor Day, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. They capitalize on the guilt and desire to “undo” the indulgence from the celebrations. Here’s the thing – you don’t need a detox after a holiday weekend. Instead, you should focus on celebrating and enjoying the time with your loved ones.

The Pitfalls of Detoxing:

So, why are these holiday detoxes not the solution? They often involve depriving yourself of actual nutrients for several days. While you might shed a few pounds temporarily, it’s not a sustainable or healthy approach. Once the detox is over, people tend to go back to their old eating habits, making it a waste of time and money.

A Better Approach:

Instead of setting yourself up for a detox, it’s time to take a more balanced approach to holiday weekends. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track with your health and wellness goals:

If-Then Planning:
Create simple “if-then” plans to guide your choices during the holiday. For example, “If there are tempting desserts, then I’ll limit myself to a small bite of each dessert.” This way, you have a mental game plan to keep you accountable.

Stay Active:
Find ways to move your body that you enjoy. Whether hiking, swimming, or leisurely walking with family and friends, staying active during the holidays can help your body feel more energized.

Hydration is Key:
Drink plenty of water, especially on hot summer days. Aim to consume at least half your body weight in ounces of water. Not only is staying hydrated important for your health, but it will also help remove toxins from your body if you find yourself enjoying a few too many drinks.

Include Veggies:
While enjoying holiday feasts, incorporate vegetables into your meals. This will provide essential nutrients and fiber, helping you stay satisfied and curb excessive snacking.

Don’t Stress:
Remember that one day or one event does not define your overall health. Knowing your body and how to support it is the key to a balanced approach to holiday celebrations.

In the end, detoxes after holiday weekends aren’t the answer. Instead, focus on creating sustainable, healthy habits that align with your body’s needs. Enjoy your time with family and friends, savor the food, and make memories without the unnecessary stress of detox plans. Life is too short to let food or detox trends decide your enjoyment of special occasions.

If you are looking for ways to handle the holidays as you start your gluten-free journey. Grab our eBook Going Gluten-Free: Handling the Holidays, where we teach you everything you need to know about avoiding gluten during any holiday or celebration.