Christmas is a time for indulging. We all know this, but it can be hard to enjoy the festivities when you are feeling bloated or uncomfortable. If you have any kind of gut sensitivity at all, bloating feels like an unavoidable consequence of an indulgent meal. Fortunately, with these simple tips, you can avoid and minimise it.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids before and during your meal. This will help to prevent constipation, which can lead to bloating.
I like to start a big feast day with (at least one) mug of warm water with lemon. It sets me up for success for a big day. In Ayurveda, the sour lemon taste is supposed to stimulate your “agni” and jump-start your digestive system, allowing you to digest food more easily and helping to prevent the buildup of toxins.
Avoid the Fizz
I hate to say it, but you’re going to want to keep the champagne consumption to a minimum. Carbonated drinks are notorious for causing bloating, so if you can avoid them you will be in better shape.
Eat Slowly
Chew every mouthful of food at least 30 times. This allows your body more time to digest the food as it passes through your system, and reduces bloating.
Fibre – Friend & Foe
High fibre foods are great for regularity and ultimately support a healthier gut, but can cause discomfort when eaten in excess. If you’re prone to bloating, try moderating high-fibre foods on Christmas day. We find this hard advice to give, but keep it to just a few brussels if you’re prone to bloating.
Stick to Lean Meat
If you’re a meat eater, enjoy a moderate portion of Turkey breast and skip the pigs in blankets – these fattier foods are known to cause bloating.
Head out for a walk
Gentle movement, like walking (or yoga), is a great way to keep things *ahem* moving. The slow passage of food through your digestive system can cause excessive gas production – bloating – so your Christmas Day walk is a powerful anti-bloating tool!
Spread out the fun
The second, or third helping in one go may overload your digestive system and cause it to slow down – leading to bloating. We’re not here to tell you to hold back, but spread the fun into smaller servings through the day to minimise the bloat.
Finally, don’t stress out about your food choices! It’s your plate, not anyone else’s, so you do you and enjoy the festivities! 🙂
