After a week of being abroad, an extra kilo or two has been added... & not just towards my luggage. Let's face it, what's the point of being on holiday if you don't get to enjoy all the good food that goes with it - despite all the Mediterranean cuisine, going back home there's definitely an added bonus of having grandparents, and mum's cooking thrown into the mix. Yikes but Yum.

We all go through times, where we fall off the bandwagon and this doesn't necessarily have to be post holiday, trust me after a busy weekend sometimes a detox day or two is always welcome. Here are five things that help me get back on track, which I consistently incorporate in my everyday routine and that works well for me. 

1) SWEAT IT OUT/ EPSOM SALT BATH

Exercise would definitely be the straight up answer for this one. As much as that is a plus, and is so good to burn unwanted calories and to get the heart rate going, I also mean get into a hot bath with epsom salts and sweat out the excess toxins. Imagine the balance of a good workout and then a relaxing, soothing bath right after. Sounds amazing doesn't it? Baths really help elevate your heart rate and it is known to burn a few calories whilst just mellowing down! 

  

2) LEMON WATER/ STAY HYDRATED

Especially first thing in the morning, I love my lemon water -  to have first thing before breakfast, sit outside and take a deep breathe in.  I suggest to heat the water up slightly, but you can have it cold if you prefer. Some days, I add cayenne pepper which works well and helps to get things moving and for that extra kick. Also, this one is a given but drink lots of water throughout the day, take a few sips more often than a big gulp at once. This will not only allow you to feel fuller longer but help to clean out your system. 

3) LIMIT YOUR CARB, SALT & SUGAR INTAKE

 I'm a carb queen so I will only cut carbohydrates out of my diet until I feel it to be necessary, I will never cut out carbs completely as they make part of a healthy balanced diet. However, I think this week I almost overdosed on carbs, so taking max 2/3 days without, should be good enough. A few days of limiting yourself and just focusing more on protein with vegetables is a good way to get you back on track. Try avoid sugar and salt too. these are major nono's if you're trying to de swell, and also for long term weight loss.

4) EAT BANANAS

I love bananas, and incorporate them in my diet daily, they are full of potassium, rich in fiber and have benefits to helping digestion which in turn are known to help reduce bloating ; which is amazing. Add them to your smoothies, in your cereal, or eat them on their own. 

5) GREEN TEA/ HERBAL TEAS

Green tea is full of antioxidants, especially after a meal you can enjoy a cup to help with the digestion. You can also have herbal teas such as peppermint tea which is very good for de swelling, or ginger tea which you can easily make fresh by boiling it and letting set, this is also good to have cold and to sip throughout the day. Just a small disclaimer: be careful drinking fresh ginger tea approaching the evening as it might keep you wide awake, been there!