6 simple tips for when you've overeaten
With a rumbling stomach, you step over the threshold of the snackbar. Three croquettes, a fries with mayo, and a cheese soufflé later, you stumble back outside via the candy machine (yes, KitKat, Twix, and a bag of Maltesers please). You've eaten too much and are craving the couch. An after dinner dip from here to Tokyo, and you're so full that you can't even look at food for the next few days. With these tips, you'll get rid of that bloated belly the fastest.
1. Move
It's more than logical to flop on the couch or in bed after overeating, but this actually works against you. Make sure to keep moving and take a walk if necessary. This helps your food digest faster, promotes your digestion, and helps balance your blood sugar levels.
2. Water or tea
After that mountain of food, drink enough water or herbal tea. This also helps promote digestion and prevents constipation. Especially drinking chamomile tea calms your stomach and also provides relaxation. And uh, downing that extra bottle of water helps you do number two faster, which is always a relief.
3. Peppermint
Eating a peppermint, chewing gum, or drinking fresh mint tea helps neutralize the disturbance in your stomach. Additionally, mint relaxes your stomach and esophagus, allowing stomach acid to flow properly.
4. In moderation
It's fine that you've had one snack too many, but don't make it a habit. Eating large portions means your body takes in more calories than it can burn. And that affects your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
5. Balance
You may have overeaten, but you probably also really enjoyed that pizza tartufo or humongous cheese platter. And that’s the most important thing. Now just pick up the thread again and it's time to bring your body back into balance. Be kind to your body, fill your plate with an extra serving of greens, and grab some fruit from the bowl more often. Your food coma won't disappear, but it will make it a bit easier in your head.
6. Stay away from the scale
Many people step on the scale after a day of indulgence to see the damage. Don't do it, girlfriend. Your scale will not only show a higher number because of that bag of chips and fries, but mainly because your body is holding onto a lot of water. This is caused by excessive salt intake. Weighing yourself is therefore pointless; it will only lead to disappointment. And then you'll feel even worse.
