Despite my best intentions, I overindulged a bit over this holiday weekend. My first experience with Tofurkey was a positive one -- so much so that my eyes were bigger than my stomach. I have a feeling I'm not alone in my overindulgence. If so, here are a few suggestions for the Monday after holiday detox:

• A cleanse. I love the idea of doing a cleanse a few times each year. Some folks like to cleanse at the start of each season. I like to cleansewhen my body is sending me signals that I need it. My favorite cleanse isUltimate Energy Cleanse. This gentle yet effective cleanse focuses on fresh juices and lifestyle modification offering an opportunity to change unhealthy habits and detox your mind, body, and spirit. When I'm feeling out of sorts and my body is feeling dull and in need of purification, this is the cleanse that I turn to.
• Yoga. Being that this is a yoga blog, it's no surprise that I'm suggesting yoga for detox. Twists and forward bends are excellent for detoxifying the body. If you're looking for a wonderful free yoga detox practice,check out NYC yogi Sadie Nardini's wonderful Fists of Fire Detox sequences on her YouTube page. When I'm feeling as though I've overdosed on food, I have a floor sequence that I enjoy:
• • Lie on back with legs straight out in front of you. Rest hands on lower abdomen and breathe into the space.
  • Inhale legs up and exhale them over to one side. Repeat 3 times on each side.
  • Rest for 4 breaths
  • Bring your knees to your chest with the breath (inhale knees towards you, exhale knees away) 6 times.
  • Happy Baby
  • Seated twist
  • Seated twist with knees down on floor
  • Seated forward bend
  • Come to all fours
  • Exhale into Extended Child's Pose, inhale into cat 6 times
  • Down dog
• Drink water with fresh lemon slices and/or detox tea (I prefer Yogi Detox Tea)
• Sit in Rock Pose -- sit in a kneeling position (buttocks on heels) for 7 minutes after each meal

Even though Thanksgiving has passed, it's not too late to enjoy a Thanksgiving Meditation. The wonderful folks over at Heart Rhythm Meditation have an excellent one on YouTube. Click here to see it.

Despite my attempt to stuff myself full of Tofurkey, I still have some leftovers sitting in my refrigerator. I think I'll limit myself to a small plate next time I dive in. I'm already sipping my lemon water. And I'll be doing another round ofdetox yoga tomorrow morning. That should go a long way towards banishing my holiday food hangover. May you be happy. May you be free of bulging bellies. May you feel energetic. May you enjoy a post holiday glow!

Namaste!

by insideoutweightloss