Beat the Festive Bloat With These Tips

The penultimate week of the year is here which means one thing, Christmas is just around the corner!

There is nothing better than some festive food which can often bring feelings of nostalgia, and maybe even the need to loosen up the top button of the trousers! And although the food at the time can be wonderful, the discomfort following can sometimes sour the experience. The good news is there are a few things you can do to help your body and minimise the bloat.

Here are Top 4 Tips to beat the festive bloat this Christmas:

1. Take time to chew
Chewing your food properly is key to reduce indigestion and the associated discomfort. In fact, it forms the first part of digestion, helping you to break food down so that your body can absorb the nutrients. There are mixed reviews on how many chews are required, but to keep it simple, you want to ensure the food is fully broken down before swallowing. So next time you sit down to eat, take a moment to observe yourself and see if this is an area that could be improved.

2. Be mindful of your portions
It can be tempting to load up the plate with your favourite foods and once it’s on there, it becomes a mission to finish it, but how about starting small and building up? You can always go back for seconds if needed, that way you are less likely to overeat.

3. Walk after meals
We all know how good movement is for us, however did you know that going for a 10 – 15 minute walk following a meal can help your digestion? So, once you’ve finished your festive feast, we would encourage you to slip those trainers on and enjoy some fresh air. If you are with guests, be sure to drag them out with you too!

4. Enjoy a herbal tea
Enjoying a warm cup of tea can round off a meal nicely. It has been suggested that herbal teas in particular can help with digestion following a meal, especially ginger and peppermint. You can enjoy this using fresh ginger root and mint leaves, or purchase them in bag form from your local shop.

Simple little tips, but ones that will help take care of your body and hopefully make your upcoming week enjoyable.

We wish you a wonderful week ahead.

With love,

Sarah