It’s almost Christmas – the time to cut loose and indulge in all the good things life has to offer. A long, indulgent Christmas lunch is something many of us most look forward to during the festive season.
But all that excessive eating, drinking and partying comes with a cost. When the pudding’s been lit and our plates are licked clean, we sit back, hands on belly, and wonder who let us eat so much!
Of course, we all know the way to beat the Christmas bloat is to avoid it altogether and eat mindfully, but in lieu of that, here’s how you can detox after the Christmas meal.
We all know the feeling of wanting to take a nap after a big meal. But when your body has become sluggish from too much rich, indulgent food, it feels great to get out into the fresh air and get your blood pumping.
Exercise not only helps you burn off those extra calories, it also encourages digestion, boosts metabolism and brings oxygen racing back into your bloodstream.
Keep hydrated
Water is a key part of the post-Christmas binge recovery: it re-energises and cleanses your body of the toxins that linger after a Christmas feast. Avoid drinking too much water during meals, as it may interfere with digesting that big meal.
Drinking tea
Peppermint has been found to aid digestion and reduce bloating and gas, while the antioxidants in green tea may help with fat-burning. Lemon and ginger tea has an anti-inflammatory effect, and enhances digestion, soothes the intestinal mucosa and eases cramps.
Eat light and fresh foods
In the days following a binge of food and alcohol, it’s important to refuel your body with nutrients. Try to eat smaller meals, with a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat and wholegrains. Pineapple and papaya contains high amounts of digestive enzymes, which the body requires to break down the food we eat.
Depending on how you feel, you might like to limit rich foods, such as red meat and dairy.
How do you recover after a big Christmas feast?
