You can indulge this festive season ( as I will be doing), but you don’t have to overdo it! With a few simple tips, you can still enjoy yourself and start 2026 ahead of the game and start the New Year on a positive note.
Here are my top tips to manage the festive bloat:
Chew Your Food
I know it sounds basic, but many of us don’t chew properly, definitely not the 20-30 times advised. Many of us already have another forkful ready before we’ve even swallowed. I call it ‘chain eating’. So, take a moment, chat to the family and friends around the table and put your knife and fork down, chew properly, let the food rest, let it digest a little, and then continue. Before you know it, you will be full and nourished.
Don’t Skip Your Greens
Yes, I’m talking about Brussels sprouts! I know they’re not everyone’s favourite, but they are small and mighty. Just one cup gives you around 167% of your daily vitamin C, and they’re very low in sugar, making them a great alternative to sugar-fueled drinks like orange juice. Mix them with chestnuts and nutmeg, pecans and dried cranberries, pistachio and pomegranate, hazelnut and orange zest, or chilli, tahini and lemon zest, my personal favourite.
Hydrate First
Drink two glasses of water before the big meal. Most of us are often thirsty, not hungry, especially if there have been a few alcoholic drinks the night before. Hydration is key; it gives your body a head start and helps prevent overeating.
Start Your Day Right
Start the day savoury, with good fats your brain needs, not a sugar spike first thing. Take your omega-3s, get your Meno oil down, eat your nut butters. Small steps like this make a big difference.
Remove and Replace
If you remove and replace two things this Christmas, you’re already ahead. For example: Fruit instead of fruit juice, A Bucks fizz swapped for soda water with a squeeze of clementine. Crisps swapped for homemade popcorn (low calories, high fibre, no additives), I spice mine up with cinnamon, black pepper, or a little chilli for extra flavour
Support Your Digestion
Our tummies will take a bit of a hit over the holidays, so protect your gut from the change to its norm. My two favourites for the festive season: a digestive enzyme like Thera Nordic and a reliable probiotic such as Inessa Daily Biotic. The digestive enzymes break down food into nutrients your body can absorb, while probiotics maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria to help process those nutrients efficiently and support overall digestive comfort. Together, they reduce bloating, improve nutrient absorption, and keep your digestive system running smoothly, especially after rich or heavy meals.
Move After Meals
Take a good 30-minute walk after the big meal. Many of us stay inside all day and miss the light, but this small step helps digestion and reduces bloating.
Enjoy and Don’t Feel Guilty
Most of all, don’t feel guilty. Enjoy the food, make memories, and remember the two small swaps you’ve made. Those little changes add up and help you feel less sluggish the next day.
With these tips, Boxing Day will be about memories, not bloating!
