What to do after an indulgent weekend (without punishing yourself)

So, the weekend got a little bigger than expected - maybe there was more food, wine, dessert, and socialising than usual. You might also be feeling the effects of later nights and not enough sleep.

Now you're feeling tired, sluggish, puffy, and a bit off track. It’s easy to jump to thoughts like, “I’ve blown it” or “I need to undo the damage.”

But you haven’t undone all your progress. One or two indulgent days don’t define your overall health. It’s what you do most of the time that matters - and how you reset counts more than what you did over the weekend.

Here’s what I recommend if you're feeling a bit off after a big weekend:

1. Get back to your usual meals - don’t restrict

Skipping meals or cutting back drastically might feel like the right move, but it usually leads to more hunger, more cravings, and more overeating later on. Instead, focus on your usual routine: balanced meals with protein, fibre, and wholefoods. Don’t skip meals to "make up" for the weekend - your body needs fuel to reset and feel good again.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

That bloated, heavy feeling is often water retention from salty food, extra sugar, and alcohol. Drinking more water helps flush things out and rebalances your digestion. Aim for at least 2- 2.5 litres today, and try starting the day with a big glass of water before your morning coffee.

3. Move your body - gently

You don’t need to do a punishing workout. Just get moving in a way that feels good. A walk, a stretch, a light session - it all helps restore energy, support digestion, and shift your mindset. Movement isn’t a punishment. It’s a way of taking care of yourself.

4. Prioritise sleep this week

If you’ve had a couple of late nights, your body is likely feeling the impact - not just physically, but hormonally too. Poor sleep affects appetite regulation, energy levels, and mood. Try getting to bed a little earlier, cutting back on screens before sleep, and giving your body a chance to recover. Sleep is one of the most underrated resets out there.

5. Check in with your mindset

One weekend doesn’t undo everything you’ve built. You haven’t failed - you had a great time, you enjoyed, and now you’re easing back into the habits that help you feel your best. You don’t need to overcorrect. You just need to return to what works for you. No guilt, no extremes, no punishment - just a bit of structure, consistency, and self-kindness.

And if you need support getting back into your good habits, I’m always here. You can book a free 30 minute call with me and we can chat through where you are getting stuck.

Take care,

Angela