The Puja holidays were wonderful and I’m sure you enjoyed every moment. But after weeks of excessive eating, drinking and late nights, when you spot those extra kilos in the mirror, do you wonder if you did the right thing by bingeing? Here’s a quick detox guide to help you get rid of the accumulated toxins.

Watch what you eat: If you’re feeling bloated after the Pujas, it is most likely due to excess carbohydrates, salts and sugars that you have consumed during the festive days. Cut down on these foods instantly. Excess salt causes fluid retention and puffiness, while excess sugar and sweets make one gain weight and cause cravings. Eat plenty of vegetables like broccoli, spinach and lettuce, and citrus fruits. It will not only help you lose weight but also restore the mineral and vitamin balance in your body.

Chuck the sweets: Your refrigerator is still stocked with sweets. Please don’t keep them and continue consuming them till they finish. Donate them to the poor or needy. Feel good, both ways!

Water for wellness: Drink lots of water to flush out toxins and eliminate body waste.

Meditate: This helps relax and cool your nerves. Meditation regulates breathing and also excretion of toxins through your lungs. Some places use enema and bowel cleaning and water therapy for detoxification. Although it might help, its exact role has not been well established.

Try a detox diet: Some believe that special “detoxifying diet regimens” practised over a period of one to two weeks eliminate accumulated toxins. The typical detoxification diet contains natural fruits, salads, uncooked or boiled or semi-cooked food with minimum use of oil or chemicals. This should be preferably consumed immediately after preparation and not after storing in the refrigerator. All staple meals, carbohydrates and fats are to be avoided during such regimens. One must continue to take their regular medication and those with diabetes or other metabolic disorders should take medical advice before embarking on such a diet.

E for exercise: Exercise increases blood flow and metabolism, and helps one lose sweat and thus get rid of toxins. So, do get back to your exercise regimen. If you do not exercise at all, it may not be a bad idea to start straightaway. However, don’t go overboard and punish yourself at the gym. Remember that all you gained over a few weeks or a month can’t be lost in two days! The key is to find out which physical activity you enjoy the most and then continue doing it.

Natural and cosmetic treatments: At the parlour, simple cream massages, steam and exfoliation help eliminate toxins and increase blood circulation, which gives an instant glow. Treatments like hydrotherapy and aromatherapy are also beneficial. Cosmetically, treatments like microdermabrasions and chemical peels not only help exfoliate damaged cells but also help recover lost collagen fibres. Fractional lasers have a similar effect.

Massage: Your skin might look dull from excessive make-up, late-night partying and less sleep. Skin massage stimulates lymphatic drainage and helps in the elimination of metabolic waste accumulated in the body. No wonder our skin feels pampered after a session of massage!

Exfoliate: Use scrubs available in the market or use natural exfoliators like besan. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps generation of new skin cells, thus improving texture and glow.

Skin cleansing and brushing: Regular cleansing of skin is a must. It removes the accumulated toxins on the surface. One must use natural products and mild soaps. Using steam or sauna to excrete the accumulated toxins in the pores, done at regular intervals (weekly or fortnightly), also eliminates toxins from the body.

You can also try skin brushing, which is an easy way to stimulate the lymph system, which in turn helps excretion of the accumulated toxins in the lymphatic system and enhances the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Stub it out: During the detoxification process, avoid processed foods, cigarettes and alcohol, carbonated drinks and caffeine to prevent more toxins accumulating in the body. One can take multivitamin and antioxidant supplements that can reduce generation of free radicals and thus prevent toxin generation.

A few simple steps can go a long way. Follow them and get ready to glow on Diwali!