How to avoid a decline in your health after a breakup
You're sitting in your robe, watching "The Notebook" on repeat and crying into your vegetable lo mein when you realize that you haven't washed your hair in a week. Does this scenario sound familiar? We have ALL been there after a bad breakup (I know I have) but it's how you move forward that matters most. Here's how to face heartbreak head on, without packing on the pounds.
You've had enough drama in your life recently so cut them out now, before they hurt you. In fact, in the aftermath of your "unconscious uncoupling" (thanks Gwenyth!) let your ex have them; you have enough real friends of your own to lean on for support.
Tip: If you just have to eat ice cream, I suggest trying some R.D. approved brands such as Artic Zero, Halo Top, or Trader Joe's Light.
Alcohol is a depressant
Your relationship isn't rapidly sinking at the bottom of a 550-calorie bottle of vino, and you my friend are not a lifeguard. Many people tend to turn to alcohol after a breakup but adding a depressant to a depressed person will only make them more depressed. Plus, if the booze itself doesn't make you sad, the weight gain that accompanies it just might.
Tip: Try to limit your alcohol intake to four glasses of wine or liquor per week to keep your mind and body from getting out of hand. Remember, an average drink is 100-125 calories, so if you are drinking multiple servings, you basically just cancelled out your workout that day. What a waste of time.
Moderation is Key
If chocolate will give you a moment of joy on a dark day, have some! Opt for dark chocolate which contains nutritional benefits such as antioxidants that help to prevent the types of free radical damage that have been associated cancer. But remember, don't go overboard either. One to two pieces of dark chocolate is just right.
Tip: Most of us eat chocolate in a "non-mindful" way, which can REALLY pack on the extra calories at the end of the day so I suggest keeping the candy wrappers in an easy-to-see place until the end of the week to hold yourself accountable.
Walk it out
"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy."
Maybe that Elle Woods was onto something. Stop binge watching television when you get home from work, and instead go for a 30-minute to one-hour walk in the evening. Now is the perfect time of year for an after dinner stroll.
Tip: There are 10 blocks to a mile in the City of Brotherly Love. This is a wonderful way to contribute to your daily recommendation of 10,000 steps (about 5 miles).
Be Enough
No one can tell you how long it will be before your heart starts to heal. Sometimes you can eat well and it's not going to be enough. Sometimes you can walk until you can walk no longer and it's not enough. Sometimes you can try everything in the book and it's not enough. But just remember: Your health starts with you. Always. And you, my friend, are enough.
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