September has always had a better claim to being the new year than January. The holidays end, schools go back, offices fill up and, after a few weeks in which lunch might consist of crisps on a train and dinner was whatever was within walking distance of the hotel, ordinary life returns with suspicious enthusiasm.
So does the urge to atone for summer. The internet is poised with post-holiday detoxes, healthy eating challenges and promises to “reset” your metabolism. Avoid the carbs! Bin the alcohol! Put protein powder in everything!
