Easter is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated holidays around the world. You get to spend quality time with your family and loved ones, indulge in some great food and create lasting memories.
However, overeating can quickly turn this time of the year into a nightmare. Feeling bloated is a common complaint during Easter, but with these handy tips, you’ll be able to avoid bloating and discomfort so that you can enjoy your Easter meal to the fullest.
Tip #1: Drink plenty of water
Drinking water is the easiest and most effective way to avoid feeling bloated during Easter. Water flushes out toxins in your body and helps to keep things moving smoothly. Before you start eating, be sure to drink a glass of water.
During your meal, drink water between mouthfuls to help with digestion. Not only is it healthy, but it could also help to control your appetite, so that you do not overeat.
It is recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, but during the Easter period, you may want to increase your intake to avoid dehydration and bloat.
Tip #2: Choose healthy foods
Easter dishes can be decadent and full of unhealthy ingredients. However, it’s essential to make choices that are healthier and easier on your digestive system.
Try to choose lean sources of protein, such as fish or poultry, and avoid fried and high-fat options. Salads and vegetables are also low in calories, and they are a great addition to your meal. You can choose to have them before or after your main course.
Whole food options like brown rice, whole grains, and quinoa are an excellent source of fiber, help stabilize your blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling full and satisfied. If you must have dessert, opt for fruit-based options instead of sugary, processed foods.
Tip #3: Eat smaller portions
One of the main reasons we feel bloated is that we eat too much food in one sitting. To avoid overeating, you need to control your portions. Take smaller servings of food and wait for a couple of minutes before going for seconds.
Eating slowly and mindfully can help you feel satiated faster and prevent overeating. Listen to your body, and stop eating when you are full. Lastly, avoid eating very late at night, as this can disrupt your digestion and cause discomfort.
Tip #4: Avoid Carbonated drinks
Soda and other carbonated drinks are not suitable for people that easily bloat. They contain fizz and gas which can cause abdominal distention. Instead of carbonated drinks, you can have iced tea, unsweetened fruit juices, or water.
Tip #5: Take a walk
After eating, you should take a gentle walk or engage in light physical activity such as yoga or stretching. Walking helps to activate your digestive system, and it keeps food moving through your gastrointestinal tract.
Besides, walking helps to keep you energetic, burn calories, and prevent muscle stiffness.
Tip #6: Chew Your Food Slowly
When you eat, it is essential to chew your food slowly and properly. Eating fast disrupts your digestive system, and it can cause bloating, gas, and indigestion. Make sure you take your time to chew every bite thoroughly before swallowing.
Tip #7: Give Your Body a Rest
Some people indulge in eating throughout Easter weekend, leaving no time for the digestive system to rest. It is essential to take breaks between meals and eating to give your digestive system a rest.
You can decide to fast for a few hours or have light meals to help regulate your body. Doing this will help prevent outright bloating in simple terms.
Tip #8: Say No to Late Night Snacks
After a hotel full weekend of Easter indulgence, it is essential to avoid late-night snacks. Eating at night provides your body with unnecessary energy, which it won’t be able to burn.
This will cause the body to start conserving the energy as fat in the body. Essentially, it will cause you to gain weight and store unnecessary fat in your system leading to bloating.
Tip #9: Plan Your Eating Schedule Earlier in the Day
Planning your Easter eating schedule earlier in the day can significantly reduce feeling bloated during the holiday period. Eating early in the day gives the body enough time to digest the food.
Leaving it with the energy to keep you feeling active and healthy throughout the day.
Tip #10: Watch Out for Alcohol Intakes
Drinking alcohol causes dehydration which affects the digestive system and the body’s water balance. This can cause the body to bloat. Hence, it is essential to consume alcohol in moderation or switch to non-alcoholic drinks during easter.