After eating Thanksgiving dinner, did you feel stuffed? This is common and often leads to discomfort for up to a few hours. While we can’t help with the aftermath of your Thanksgiving feast, we can teach you what to do in future situations. If you know you’ll be overeating on another occasion (maybe at Christmas or New Years?), then let us help! Also, if you have any friends living nearby our Liv Ahwatukee apartment community in Phoenix, Arizona, share this information with them.
The following tips come from PopSugar and LifeSpa:
Before the Meal
If you know you’re going to eat a huge meal, it’s a good idea to eat something before it. Of course, we don’t mean that you should eat a huge breakfast or lunch, but you should at least eat something light and balanced. Coming to a dinner while starving is an invitation for overeating, and you probably won’t be able to avoid it.
Drink a tall glass of water 20 minutes before starting a meal. As LifeSpa says, “This will pre-hydrate your stomach wall, which is lined with an acid buffer that is 80% water. The more water, the better the buffer and the more acid your stomach will produce to enjoy more food. Studies show it helps reduce weight.”
The Meal
Digestion is the strongest during the afternoon, so avoid having a huge dinner late at night. When you eat, take your time. LifeSpa points out, “The more time you give yourself to chew and relax, the more your stomach will gracefully expand and allow you to comfortably continue to enjoy your Thanksgiving (or other) meal without over eating.” Also, avoid drinking cold or ice water with this meal. Drink before and after. If you must drink during, sip on a warm drink.
After the Meal
While it might sound tempting, lying down after a huge meal can be unhealthy; if done the wrong way, it can cause indigestion as well as acid reflux. If you need to lie down, there “is an old Ayurvedic strategy to lie on your left side for 10 to 15 minutes after a large meal. This is not an all afternoon siesta, but a short rest on the left side to allow the stomach to empty gracefully and effortlessly,” according to LifeSpa. Also, make a cup of herbal tea. Ginger, chamomile, and peppermint are all great options that help improve digestion.
We hope these tips come in handy the next time you face a huge meal. Take advantage of these tips by applying them. Thanks for reading!