By Susan Saffel-Shrier, MS, RDN
Was your holiday season enjoyable? Bet it was nice to take time for family and friends. Were there lots of social events? Parties? Libations? How was the food? Yummm…. Feeling a bit of a food hangover? Tis the season. So what is a food hangover? Basically, it has to do with overindulgence and waking-up the next morning feeling bloated, mentally foggy and just plan miserable. Have you heard of the saying “I’m stuffed”? Well, you got it! The GI tract can handle just so much food at one time and overeating results in a stressed digestive capacity. So how can you avoid a food hangover? Consider the following tips:
- Eat regular meals; Don’t starve yourself
- Enjoy all foods in moderation
- Remember there are always leftovers
- Opt for lower calorie alcoholic drinks
- Use smaller plates
- Practice mindful eating
- Drink water throughout the day
- Get up and move (your GI tract)
- Try ginger (a few slices or tea) for nausea
- Try peppermint oil for abdominal discomfort; Avoid if you are prone to GERD (heartburn) as peppermint can cause reflux
Now you have been empowered so have a good time!
Susan Saffel-Shrier, MD, RDN is a Professor (Clinical) in the Department of Family & Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine.
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