We all need it, from time to time.

It’s funny because I used to feel bad, when I had days when I  didn’t feel that great (yes, from drinking too much wine, eating dessert too late the night before, eating stuff I know my body doesn’t process that well- even if it’s all real food based).

And by “feel bad”, I mean physically, yes. But mostly, it used to be guilt or shame based. That I’m supposed to be this healthy person, all the time.  And do everything perfectly.

Because sometimes, even I, lose that right balance of eating and drinking. The funny and delicate balance between the fun “sometimes” foods that I love, and keeping it simple and clean and healthy and so that I feel energized and great most days.

But, even I, can get too caught up in the moment.

I’m totally a human too. And not just any human, but one that likes to fully live up their life. And be in the present moment, as much as possible. Which usually means more mindful eating, most days.

But, it can also mean an unplanned scratch margarita or perfectly salty chips and guacamole, or tasting food as I’m cooking, even when I’m not truly hungry.

And, that’s ok too.

Maybe it’s because I spent so many years operating the other way- with so much stress, anxiety and calculation around food. I couldn’t fully be where I was- with the people around me, traveling the world, etc. I was in my own noisy head the whole time. And missed out on a lot.

But, like anything, it all has to balance out, right?

Otherwise you don’t feel good, physically. You feel more tired, cranky, moody, sick, puffy, or all of the above. And when you don’t feel good, you can’t do good, be good, and spread that little light of yours on this world.

I think some days it’s realizing that no one is on their game every single day of their life. Because, to be honest, if they are, they are probably pretty boring to be around.  Which is not really a part of being healthy in my definition. We all need to rest and reset ourselves sometimes. And that’s more than ok. It’s normal.

It’s even better when you can start to learn to catch yourself needing this, early on. And then, actually give yourself that time to reset when you need it. And not feel guilty about it. Not when it snowballs out of control. But right away, so you’re not living in big extremes.

So, what do to get yourself back on track. In 1 day. 

Because that first day is always the hardest, but the one that can make the biggest difference for the rest of your week.

Here’s the good news: momentum starts with just one good day! Which is totally do-able for most people. Don’t freak yourself out by needing to do a week long cleanse or only drink juice all day long.

One day. And it goes a little something like this:

1. Drink 90-100 oz of fresh water. Hydrating your cells helps every system on the body flush itself out and reset. Peeing every hour is normal, my friends. If you’re not even close to that, starting with this one tip will be a HUGE game changer for you. Most people that feel tired during the day, are really just dehydrated. Easy fix.

2. Have a green juice or green smoothie for one of your meals. See some of my favorite recipes here or here or here or here or buy one out. Make sure it’s mostly greens, and not all fruit to get the most benefits. See my full Green Smoothie Guide + Recipe Collection here if you want over 30 different ideas!

3. Swap your coffee for green tea or yerba mate. Green tea and yerba mate (and vegetables) will give you a energy lift and neutralize the acidic effect that sugar, coffee, and processed foods have on your body. The most alkaline your body is, the better it’s able to reset, detoxify, and pump your cells with more nutrition and energy.

[pictured above: some yerba mate tea via the french press]

4. Eat some good quality protein and lots of veggies for dinner. And lunch too if you’re truly hungry for it (and not just crashing from bad food choices the day before). Good quality means organic, grass-fed or wild meats, eggs, or seafood. This will steady your blood sugar in a natural, non extreme way.

5. Skip the grains and fruit. They are for sure, real food. But can be hard to digest, and can make you hungrier. And usually take the place of vegetables and good protein if you are given the option, and they are not equal in strength and potency for your body.

6. Sweat it out. Or at least move around, a lot. 10,000 steps or 3 miles. Something where your body has to force itself to work faster and speed up it’s systems. This will also help with eating less- you can’t eat a huge (or dirty) meal right before, so you are forced to be more mindful.

7. Be done after your meals. No sweet stuff, no snacks, just water. And maybe some sweet herbal tea or sparkling water after dinner. Be ok with that uncomfortable feeling of being ABLE to ingest more, but choosing not to. For just one night of the week. You’ll be ok.  Then, brush your teeth and go to bed early. Oral hygiene is quite important you should click here to book your dental treatment.

8. Find a way to nourish yourself WITHOUT food (or drinks). Something where you feel calm and taken care of. I know it sounds cheesy, but it works. It could be a hot shower, 10 minutes reading, lighting lots of beautiful candles, buying fresh flowers, painting your nails, an at home facial, a yoga class, writing some gratefuls or reflections in your journal, or cruising around pinterest for 20 minutes, looking at healthy stuff. It’s not excessive or ridiculous.

9. Make time to cook a healthy recipe that can stretch to a few meals. Just one new (or favorite) a week that you know you love and makes you feel good. Most likely, this will take you under 30 minutes a week (especially if you’re looking at this blog). But the payoffs will be huge. If you need help in this arena, check out the Seasonal Meal Plan, The Family Meal Plan, or the Freestylin’ Recipe Club!

10. Get some fresh air. I don’t care if it’s a waltz around the parking lot. Just breath some air into your body. It helps with your mood, mind and circulation. Which helps everything else in life.

11. Stop beating yourself up. Brush yourself off and get back to it. The sooner, the better. Feeling guilty is a waste of time and emotion. When in doubt, just start with #1. And take it hour by hour, if you need to. Doing anything and bringing your awareness back to the things that do help and do matter, is always a step in the right direction.

Now, it’s your turn to add on to the list. What helps you get back on track when you’re feeling a little off? Please share below. And if you enjoyed this list, please share it with someone that would like it too.