4 Tips to Avoid Feeling Stuffed on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving marks the kick-off for the much-anticipated seasonal holidays. But along with the joy of gathering with family and friends can come some unwanted effects on your health.
Thanksgiving places additional stress on the digestive tract with tempting high-calorie and high-fat meals. All that rich food works to slow down digestion and contributes to that “too full” feeling most people have after consuming a Thanksgiving meal.
No one enjoys the unpleasant feeling that comes from overindulging on Thanksgiving. It is truly uncomfortable to unbuckle your belt, untuck your shirt, or undo the top button of your pants after overstuffing yourself on this gluttonous holiday.
How to Beat the Bloat
It’s easy to say that we should eat slowly, savor our meal, and stop eating when we get full. But that is easier said than done.
However, there are some basic ways to combat the excessive eating and avoid feeling stuffed and bloated, even on Thanksgiving. If you are one of the millions of Americans who groans and has regrets after overeating on the holidays, try these simple strategies.
1. Eat Smart
Everyone knows the holidays are all about indulging. To avoid digestive distress, focus on foods that provide nourishment to your body rather than the foods that leave you feeling overly full.
No one is suggesting that you completely give up the stuffing and pie and other delicious favorites that symbolize this event.
Instead, nibble on small portions of the richest traditional foods, and fill the majority of your plate with salads, fruits, and vegetables. You may be surprised that just a few bites of the special Thanksgiving dishes will keep your taste buds satisfied. Best of all, not gorging on the heavy foods will keep your digestion on track.
2. Drink Responsibly
Alcohol is customarily found at most Thanksgiving feasts. Do your best to choose wisely. You’ll be better off avoiding bubbly beverages or sip them in very limited amounts. Anything with bubbles, like beer and champagne, will promote that unpleasant bloating sensation.
3. Walk it Off
After eating the Thanksgiving meal, don’t head for an easy chair or fall victim to a food coma. Get some fresh air and take a brisk walk instead. Start a new family tradition that makes exercise a planned part of your after-holiday meal event. Exercise gets the blood flowing through the body, which helps the digestive system to get moving and reduce fullness and bloating.
4. Supplements for Support
Seasonal stress and overindulgence can have a negative impact on you and your body. Proper nutrition during these celebrations should always include probiotics to help maintain a healthy gut.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help the body digest food, absorb nutrients, and get the most out of the food you eat. And enhancing good gut bacteria will calm and nourish your digestive system while lessening some intestinal issues. In other words, probiotics can keep the digestive tract healthy throughout the holidays.
But the benefits of probiotics don’t stop at your gut. These super supplements support the immune system and may help reduce anxiety and stress which we can all use during the holidays.
Use probiotics daily, along with these other tips to enjoy a happy and healthy season!
