Also known as the day after Fat Tuesday, Repent Wednesday is my own personal term for those days following events of gluttony (such as Mardi Gras, New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving…not always a Wednesday, but you get the point). Repent Wednesday is usually full of regret and the phrase “why did I eat that?” along with an unhealthy dose of guilt and/or shame.
This year, I say repent not! Beating yourself up for enjoying too much food is not going to undue the situation. Instead, following this advice from wikiHow:
Do:
- Calm down and stop blaming yourself.
- Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast like high-fiber cereal and low-fat milk with fruit. Fiber will help keep you feeling full.
- Drink lots of water (especially if you indulged in foods high in sodium).
- Get some protein at lunch and dinner (low-fat cheese or yogurt, lean meat, beans). Try to limit carbs, especially if your indulgence was carb-heavy.
- Go for a walk or do your regular workout, but don’t over-work to compensate. Try stretching, deep breathing, and other gentle exercises if you feel too bloated.
- Get a good night’s rest, about 8 hours.
- Repeat the next day if you still feel guilty, bloated, or sluggish. Then stop worrying about a few extra calories and get back into your regular routine (or adopt a new, healthier one!).
Do NOT:
- Starve yourself. This will only lead to more binges.
- Hop on the scale the next day, it will not be an accurate reflection of your weight. Hold off at least two days, if not longer, for your body to adjust back to its normal weight.
- Think of food as “good” and “bad.” For the most part there are no “bad” foods, just bad portions. Learn proper portion sizes and indulge in moderation.
- Beat yourself up, it is not productive. Look at the big picture and learn to love and take care of your body.
This week is also National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder, please visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or call their helpline at 800-931-2237. Many college campuses are also offering free screenings and health assessments this week. Constant over-eating or binging and purging can be signs of an eating disorder.
It is Sweet to indulge, but not-so-Sweet to overindulge. Remember that moderation is the key, but if you find yourself feeling crummy the day after a major indulgence, following the above tips to get back to normal. If you make a regular habit out of overindulging, you could be adversely effecting your health and you should consult medical profession for proper diagnosis (see disclaimer below).
**JENN’s DISCLAIMER**
Once again, allow me to point out the obvious: Please note that I am not a medical professional. I cannot diagnose eating disorders. The preceding is simply the result of my own online research, meant to inform and draw attention to a critical health issue. If you think you or someone you know may have an eating disorder, please consult a medical professional immediately. You can also call 800-931-2237 for assistance.
