Christmas is nearly upon us! The halls are decked, the Christmas tree is rocking and the chestnuts are roasting... but while Christmas is always a joyous occasion, there's an elephant in the room: the dreaded Christmas bloat!
Feeling bloated, sluggish, or uncomfortable after festive indulgences is a challenge that many of us face. However, the good news is that by taking a few proactive steps, you can keep your digestion on track, minimise bloating and feel your best. Here are some helpful tips to beat the Christmas bloat and stay healthy through the festive period:
1. Stay hydrated
It's easy to forget about hydration amidst all the food and drink, but it’s essential. Drinking enough water helps flush out excess salt, supports your digestive system, and can help prevent bloating. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, but this might increase depending on your activity levels or alcohol consumption.
Tip: Add some flavour to your water with a few slices of lemon, orange, cucumber, or mint to make it more enjoyable!
2. Balance your plate
While it’s tempting to load up on the Christmas pudding and mince pies, it’s important to balance your plate with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A diet rich in fibre can help maintain digestive health and reduce bloating. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale are great choices, as they are high in fibre and support digestion.
Tip: Aim for half your plate to be vegetables and keep your portions of heavy carbs and meats in check to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.
3. Eat mindfully
It’s easy to overeat during the holidays, especially when there’s so much delicious food on offer. However, large meals can put a strain on your digestive system, leading to bloating and discomfort. Eating mindfully means means paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues, and eating slowly. Avoid distractions like TV or phones while eating, and take small bites and chew your food thoroughly.
Tip: Eat slowly and savour each bite, allowing your body time to signal when it’s full.
4. Probiotic power
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for digestion and overall gut health. Including probiotic foods such as yoghurt, kimchi or sauerkraut into your festive meal plans can help support your gut.
Wassen Digest + Balance is a drinkable probiotic supplement, a brilliant option for supporting your digestive system throughout the festive season. Simply add a sachet to your water for a unique blend of minerals, probiotics and digestive enzymes, providing three-way digestive support when you need it the most.
Tip: We recommend taking Digest + Balance first thing in the morning or with breakfast to give your gut the support it needs throughout the day.
5. Move your body
While it’s tempting to lounge on the sofa after a big meal, light physical activity can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating. A gentle walk after meals can help your digestive system work more efficiently and prevent discomfort. Plus, staying active during the holidays can help you maintain energy levels and manage stress. Simple yoga poses can also help ease bloating too - why not try some of the poses below!
Tip: After your Christmas dinner, take a 10–20-minute walk with family or friends to give your body a chance to digest.
6. Limit alcohol and sugar
We all know that Christmas can be a time for indulgence, and it’s easy to overdo it with sugary treats and festive cocktails. Unfortunately, both alcohol and sugar can contribute to bloating, dehydration, and gut irritation. While it’s okay to enjoy a treat or a drink in moderation, try to balance it with water and nutrient-dense foods.
Tip: Try alternating alcoholic drinks with herbal teas or non-alcoholic cocktails like our Christmas Relax + Unwind Cocktail.
7. Get enough sleep
The festive season can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, with late nights and early mornings. But sleep is essential for your body to recover, recharge, and support healthy digestion. Poor sleep can increase stress levels, which in turn can affect gut health and lead to bloating. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to function at its best.
Tip: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as drinking chamomile tea or reading a book, to help you unwind and improve the quality of your sleep.
8. Manage stress
Christmas can be stressful, whether it's managing family expectations, juggling work with celebrations, or shopping for gifts. Unfortunately, stress can negatively affect your gut, leading to bloating and digestive issues. To reduce stress, make time for activities that relax and recharge you, whether it’s taking a bath, meditating, or simply spending time outdoors.
Tip: Practice deep breathing exercises or mindfulness to keep stress levels in check and maintain a happy, healthy gut.
In Conclusion
The festive season doesn’t have to come with a side of bloating and discomfort. By staying hydrated, practising mindful eating, including probiotics and staying active, you can enjoy all the joys of Christmas while supporting your digestion and overall health. Remember, it’s all about balance! With a few simple habits, you’ll be feeling your best throughout the Christmas period.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year!🎄
