We all know that stuffing your tummy isn't a good idea for your digestive health or your immune system health. We all know it, but most of us still tend to do it during this time of the year.
Tip #1: Eat your breakfast AND lunch before you have a big dinner.
You will definitely eat less and be less hungry if you have steady sugar levels throughout the day.
Tip #2: Eat slowly, chew really well, and wait at least 20 minutes before you go for seconds.
If you wait for at least 20 minutes, you most likely will NOT feel hungry anymore, and you will definitely have more control over your cravings.
Tip #3: Indulge wisely!
If you choose to eat something “not good for you,” make sure it is something you really love. Also, make sure it’s something you only allow yourself this time of the year, like mashed potatoes, chocolate cakes, cookies, or other scrumptious goodies.
Tip #4: If you are at a party, stay away from the food table.
Choose to have a conversation far enough from the food table to avoid mindless eating.
Tip #5: Don’t eat to please others!
In some cultures, you may offend the host by not eating a lot or not eating something special they made. Remember, you can be genuine with the host and grateful without actually eating what you do not want. Learning to say no can be good for your gut.
Tip #6: Drink, drink, drink, and hydrate with good-quality water.
Make sure you hydrate well before the dinner since overeating can lead to constipation. However, if you are hydrated enough, you should not have a big problem with constipation the next day. Also, pre-hydrating works well when you consume alcohol to prevent further dehydration from it.
Tip #7: Keep the alcoholic drinks to a minimum.
This one is a must. Overdoing it with alcohol can cause long-term inflammatory problems. If you choose to indulge in one drink, get a glass of red wine over eggnog.
Tip #8: Consider changing your whole holiday eating mindset.
If you consciously intend to eat healthy during this holiday dinner, you will. But if you don’t intend, you may find it harder to do.
Tip #9: Serve yourself!
When you serve yourself, you are more likely to put less food on your plate. Serving yourself will save you from those extra calories you’d get if someone else served you.
Tip #10: Fake your sensation of fullness.
Try to load up on the green salads and raw greens. These sides will help fill you up and also improve your digestion process.
Thank you for taking the time to read through these tips on improving your gut health. I hope you found them helpful and informative. Remember, taking small steps can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. If you ever find yourself needing more personalized guidance or have specific questions about your gut health journey, don't hesitate to book a consultation with me HERE
Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season!
With Care,
Dr Inna Melamed, PharmD
Functional Medicine Practitioner and Best Selling Author of Crohn’s and Colitis Fix and Digestive Reset
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