You know what I mean – you feel full of food, bloated, acid-y, heavy – dare I say it: a bit farty! – and have the mother of all hangovers. Well here are some tips to help you avoid all that this year.
Although it is tempting to curl up on the sofa after eating Christmas dinner, a good way to get your digestion moving is to put on your hat and scarf and go for a walk. Gentle exercise can stimulate the digestion and support healthy passage of stools.
If you know you have a family dinner in the evening, arm yourself with a breakfast high in good quality protein, healthy fats and loaded with antioxidants. A healthy ‘fry up’ is an easy and hearty breakfast choice, including poached eggs, wilted spinach, grilled tomatoes, homemade baked beans and sliced avocado. This is a wonderful way to replenish your body.
Get some enzymes in. Take 1 with each large meal to avoid bloating and help you break down all the rich food you’re not used to. Try these. And, if you’re eating more wheaty/gluteny stuff than usual (do NOT do this obvs if you are gluten-sensitive or coeliac), then try these.
Instead of waiting until the New Year, try to gently detox your body throughout the Christmas period. This can reduce your chances of weight gain and feeling generally fatigued and run down. Green vegetables and fruits really are your friend as they are packed full of nutrients and support the detoxification process of rich food and alcohol from your body. Smoothies including kale, spinach, broccoli, and apples can be a great way to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. As it is winter time, you can also put green vegetables into a soup for lunch or dinner, adding in herbs such as coriander, which is highly detoxifying and full of plant chemicals.
Give your liver some help if you’re drinking this year. This is where milk thistle really shines! Try this one – one before you imbibe and one before bed. It will SO help you avoid the dreaded hangovers!
In a spare moment, read my Belly Fat book if you’re planning on losing some weight in the new year. Get a lovely new pen and book (preferably from Santa) and start making some food lists and ideas for easy meals. It really is easy when you know how!
Have fun – and be a bit more comfortable this season 🙂