Hey there, beautiful lovelies!
Gah! The holiday season is almost here! 🎉 Where did the time go??? With Christmas around the corner, it feels like everyone goes a little wild with food and drinks. As someone who suffers from bloating and has a super sensitive tummy, I know firsthand how challenging this time can be. Trust me, I've had those moments way too many times, where my stomach feels hard, tender to touch, and I look like I'm 5 months pregnant!
The holidays are about joy and connection, and not stressing over every bite. So, I thought I'd share with you my top tips to help you navigate the festive feasts without the bloating blues.
1. Practice Intentional Eating
Let's kick things off with mindful eating. Take your time and savour each bite while really tuning into how your body feels. Try consuming smaller portions to avoid overwhelming your tummy. Remember, it's perfectly okay to say NO to seconds if you're feeling full. Don't be greedy! 😝
2. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate
Water is your ultimate holiday sidekick! Staying hydrated helps our bodies flush out excess sodium from those rich meals and keeps our digestion on track. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day—and if you're like me who doesn't like drinking plain water, then infuse it with lemon or mint for an extra zing!
3. Get Moving
After that delicious holiday feast, don't just plop on the couch! A leisurely walk after meals can stimulate digestion and prevent that heavy feeling in your belly. Plus, it's a lovely way to enjoy the festive atmosphere or the nature. Another way to get in some movement is to do some simple stretches or yoga poses to help relieve tension in your abdomen and promote better digestion.
4. Go Easy on the Alcohol
Holiday cocktails can be so tempting (...don't I know it!), but they can also lead to so much bloating. Alcohol is inflammatory because of its high sugar content and can really slow down our digestion, especially carbonated drinks like champagne or beer. So, if you choose to drink, try to limit yourself and alternate with water.
5. Sip on Soothing Teas
When bloating strikes, I love reaching for a lemon and ginger tea! Both ingredients are known for their digestive benefits. Peppermint tea is another fantastic option that can help soothe an upset stomach. I usually use two teabags for that extra strength and a quicker relief!
6. Know Your Triggers
If you have food sensitivities like gluten or lactose intolerance like me, I'd try to be mindful of what you eat. After many years of suffering from severe bloating, I know what my triggers are. If you don't know, keeping a food journal of what you've consumed and how they made you feel is a great! It's all about knowing your triggers! Ask questions about ingredients and opt for options that make your body feel good.
7. Always Be Prepared
I hate being bloated and the feeling of uncomfortable pain, so I never leave home without my trusty Mintec Peppermint Oil tablets. These natural antispasmodics are amazing. Definitely my go-to for a quick relief when I need it most.
8. Embrace Fermented Foods
I love adding fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut to my diet as often as possible. Personally, I'm a big fan of kimchi! These probiotic-rich foods can help support a healthy gut microbiome. For me, incorporating kimchi into my diet has been a game-changer—it even helps keep me regular, if you know what I mean!
Remember gorgeous, the holidays are about joy and connection—not about worrying or suffering over bloating. With these tips up your sleeve, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying those festive moments with your friends and family with confidence and comfort!
Wishing you a joyful and bloat-free holiday season!
Laurel xoxo
Founder
