Have you ever found yourself bloated, sluggish, and uncomfortable after a weekend of splurging on all the foods you know aren’t great for you? Whether it was a long weekend with the girls, a weekend of summer parties, or a week of holiday eating, we’ve all been there. However, believe it or not, these are simply effects, and with the proper fuel, you’ll be right on track to feel like you.

So here are the answers to the question you’re all asking…

What is the best way to detox after a week of junk eating?

1. Drink lots of water.

Our bodies are mostly water, but when we consume too much salt, sugar, and alcohol, our bodies become dehydrated. Drinking water is the best way to flush out excess toxins. You may even want to increase your regular intake.

Yes, you’re going to pee a lot. You may even want to add some electrolytes to your water. However, restoring your hydration levels to where they should be is a great way to get your body feeling normal again.

2. Start exercising.

Physical activity will help release the gas causing discomfort and help move digestion along. Whether it’s a long walk, quick jog, a bike ride, a yoga class, or Pilates, getting in some gentle movement will help with the brain fog and bloat that come with junk food overload.

When you start moving the external parts of your body, it also helps get everything moving internally. Aim for 30 minutes of mild to moderate exertion movement.

3. Take some probiotics.

Sugar and carbs create an overly acidic environment in your stomach. That bloat and nausea you’re feeling are the PHs in your gut being completely thrown off. That’s where probiotics come in. Fermented foods, fermented liquids, and probiotics will help restore the balance of healthy gut bacteria to where they should be.

You can take a supplement or incorporate probiotic-heavy foods like greek yogurt, kimchee, or sauerkraut into your meals.

4. Boost Your Metabolism.

Drinks like green tea, coffee, and ginger tea can help boost metabolism, minimize hunger and increase satiety, all of which can help with bloat and discomfort. Many of these drinks have caffeine which can stimulate the bowels and get things moving. Just be sure to balance these drinks with plenty of water, as caffeine can also have a dehydrating effect.

All these drinks contain beneficial nutrients like antioxidants and other potent compounds that can be beneficial in detoxing from junk food.

5. Consume foods that are easy to digest.

Be easy on your digestive system. It’s been through a lot. After consuming excess sodium, sugar, and alcohol, your colon, liver, and kidneys need rest. Greasy, processed foods are a lot harder to digest. You’ll want to stick to high-protein foods and stay away from dairy while your body is recovering.

Incorporate green veggies.

Veggies are your best friends every day and will never do you wrong. They help reduce bloating and cleanse the gastrointestinal tract as they move through. Add leafy greens like arugula, spinach, cabbage, and kale to your meals, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower.

Are you ready to feel better?

We all deserve a weekend on the wild-side here and there, and we’re happy you enjoyed yourself! Remember that letting go is just as important as walking straight and narrow. Your body has the powerful ability to heal itself when appropriately fueled. The next time you need to detox from junk food, remember these five steps, and your body will go back to normal before you know it!