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Thanksgiving is a time for celebration…and enjoying an overwhelming array of delicious foods until you inevitably overeat and wish you weren’t wearing such tight pants. If you wake up the morning after the big feast feeling puffy and bloated, instead of doubling down on decadent leftovers in the headspace that the damage has already been done, munch on these five foods which dietitians recommend to ease your inflamed stomach and have you feeling better as soon as possible.
Turmeric
According to registered dietitian Emily Danckers, turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for the day after Thanksgiving. She says, “Amount matters; make sure you’re getting at least 500mg [of turmeric] to see an effect, although sometimes taking it in supplement form is easier than in foods.” If you’re set on cooking with it, she suggests adding the seasoning into a curry or a smoothie where the taste will be complimentary.
Berries
While eating your fruits and veggies is always good for you, berries can have some added benefit when you’re looking to ease any bloat as they are full of antioxidants and fiber. Danckers explains, “Antioxidants are well known to be an anti-inflammatory in the body, and fiber keeps you feeling full so you’re less likely to overeat and contribute to your bloat.” Try a berry bowl for your afternoon snack, or add to the top of your cereal in the morning to get a head start on reducing inflammation.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a great addition to your diet for healthy fats, particularly Omega-3, which Danckers explains is a natural anti-inflammatory. Carry on your regular cooking with a serving of olive oil, or use it as a dressing for your salad so you can eat your veggies while easing inflammation.
Leafy Greens
When in doubt, eating your greens is a surefire way to aid in digestion and cut down on belly bloat caused by overeating and high sodium foods. While all greens have their benefits, spinach and kale will be your best bets to tackle inflammation as they contain valuable antioxidants and polyphenols. Danckers suggests throwing together a delicious salad or adding them into your next smoothie--they won’t even affect the taste!
Walnuts
If you’re looking for a salty, crunchy snack that will also help beat your bloat, walnuts are the way to go! With Omega-3 and their delicious taste, sprinkle some walnuts on top of your salad or have a handful as a snack to tide over any salty cravings.
While overindulging can leave you feeling heavy and lethargic, you can get back on track right after Thanksgiving with these delicious and healthy foods that will both nourish your body and tackle inflammation. There’s no harm in enjoying your favorite foods, so long as you don’t allow one day of treats to completely throw off your healthy lifestyle.
