The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the temptation to indulge in all the delicious treats that Christmas has to offer. Unfortunately, all that indulgence can often lead to bloating and discomfort.

But fear not; with a little bit of planning and a few simple tips and tricks, you can avoid bloating on your Christmas table and still enjoy all your favourite festive foods.

Tip 1: Start with a Balanced Plate

When filling your plate at Christmas dinner, try to aim for a balance of protein, carbs and vegetables. This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent overeating.

Fill half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with protein and a quarter with carbs such as roast potatoes or sweet potato mash.

Tip 2: Chew Your Food Slowly and Thoroughly

Taking the time to chew your food slowly and thoroughly will not only help you to savour the flavours of your meal, but it will also aid digestion.

Chewing breaks down food into smaller pieces, making it easier for your body to digest and absorb nutrients. Aim to chew each mouthful around 20 times before swallowing.

Tip 3: Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help to keep you hydrated and aid digestion. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and try to limit fizzy drinks and alcohol as these can lead to bloating.

Tip 4: Don’t Skip Meals

Skipping meals in the run-up to Christmas dinner can lead to overeating and bloating. Instead, make sure to eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day.

This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent cravings for sugary snacks and treats.

Tip 5: Watch Your Portion Sizes

It can be easy to get carried away with all the delicious food on offer at Christmas dinner, but try to watch your portion sizes.

Use a smaller plate if possible, and if you’re still hungry after your initial serving, wait a few minutes before going back for seconds. This will give your body time to register that it’s full.

Tip 6: Be Mindful When Eating

Mindful eating is about paying attention to the sensations you experience when eating, such as the textures, smells and flavours of your food. It can help you to eat more slowly, savour your meal and avoid overeating.

Try putting down your fork between bites, taking a few deep breaths before eating and focusing on the present moment.

Tip 7: Choose Your Snacks Wisely

Snacks are often a big part of the Christmas festivities, but they can also be a major contributor to bloating. Instead of reaching for the cheese board or mince pies, try opting for healthier snacks such as fruit, nuts or vegetable crudités.

Tip 8: Get Moving

Physical activity can help to aid digestion and prevent bloating, so try to get moving after your Christmas meal. Go for a walk, play a game of football with the family or do some gentle yoga stretches.

Not only will it help with digestion, but it can also be a great way to spend time with your loved ones.

Tip 9: Listen to Your Body

It’s important to listen to your body and be aware of how certain foods make you feel. If you find that certain foods are causing bloating or discomfort, try to avoid them in the future.

You can also try keeping a food diary to help identify any patterns or triggers.

Tip 10: Don’t Stress

Finally, it’s important not to stress too much about what you’re eating at Christmas dinner. Remember that it’s a time to enjoy yourself and spend time with your loved ones, not to obsess over food and calories.

If you do end up overindulging, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just get back on track with healthy habits the next day.