The month of January is often adorned with several accessories.
The traditional good resolutions, first, and then two other much more insidious: the guilt linked to a potential weight gain in December and the pressure that one inflicts on oneself to lighten up.
Just putting a few extra pounds on the scale is very normal and common at this time of year, and this excess will almost disappear on its own, without much effort.
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"The month of December is a period of celebrations and excess," recalls Alexandra Dalu, a nutritionist in Paris.
We meet up with family or friends, we treat ourselves to sweets and we chain meals which are much more caloric than the rest of the year. "
The menus are often washed down with alcohol, a source of sugar, and the quantities are also larger.
As the food is sweeter and more salty, one can also make water retention and feel "more bloated".
Finally, we usually exercise much less during this period.
Hence a more or less important weight gain, depending on his state of health.
“It's mathematical: we consume more and move less, the result is weight gain,” summarizes the nutritionist doctor.
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Natural regulation
That being said, it is then necessary to avoid the trap of diet and deprivation to rectify the situation.
For people in good health and having a healthy lifestyle - good hydration, a varied diet and the practice of a minimum of physical exercise - these pounds will gradually disappear in a natural way.
“Frustration is not everyday.
In the body, we have natural satiety regulators which will automatically mean that we will be less hungry after a series of large meals ”, informs Alexandra Dalu.
We have natural satiety regulators Alexandra Dalu, nutritionist doctor
This regulation can take a different time depending on the person: a week or two, a month, or even more.
“The more muscular we are, the faster it will be,” explains the doctor.
As older people are generally less muscular than younger people, the process will be slower for them. "
Resume a rhythm
To help your body, you can already resume some good habits.
First, it is important to start drinking plenty of water again, at least 1.5 liters per day.
"A bicarbonate water enriched in magnesium will be interesting for the digestion of fat and detoxification", recalls the nutritionist.
Then, you have to resume a classic rhythm, for example by lightening the main meals and adding a glass of lemon juice at first, or by taking a break from candies, chocolates and other caloric dishes.
“The most important thing is to listen to your body: if you're not hungry, you don't eat.
If you are afraid of not holding out during the day, you can have a small snack, ”concludes Alexandra Dalu.
Finally, last tip: get back into motion, as before.
Walking, jogging, cycling ... By teleworking, we seize all the excuses to move.
Go wash your hands, go up the stairs and then go down, go for a walk for fifteen minutes or more ...
* Originally published in 2021, this article has been updated.
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