- How about + V_ing ( eating ) too much junk food.
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We've all been there—doubled over in pain after eating five too many gingerbread men chased with spiked eggnog followed by a generous slab of cranberry- and nut-crusted cheese log. 'Tis the season...right?! But while overindulging during the holidays is to be expected—and even, I'd argue, perfectly healthy if you eat an otherwise balanced diet—feeling like a bloated, gassy, hungover mess is never a good time. (Get a flat belly in just ten minutes a day with our reader-tested exercise plan!)
So, what do you do? While you can't undo the damage completely, you can load up on certain foods and drinks that will help counter the effects of your junk binge and get your digestion and energy levels back on track. Here, nutritionists Jessica Levinson of Nutritiouliciousand Gina Hassick of Eating Well with Gina share their favorites.
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Yogurt + Berries
Even though you may not have the appetite for it, you'll want to eat breakfast, as it's key for jump-starting your metabolism. Keep it light, though, to go easy on your stomach. Hassick's go-to is Greek yogurt topped with berries. Yogurt contains beneficial lactobacillus bacteria that can help keep you regular and reduce gut inflammation triggered by sugary foods and alcohol.
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Green Tea
If you need a subtle energy boost in the morning, sip some green tea. This brew is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage induced by too much junk. There's also some research showing green tea helps stabilize blood sugar levels and dulls cravings, which is important if you've overdone it on sweets and alcohol.
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Water
In addition to anything caffeinated, you'll also want to sip some plain water throughout the day. Hydration is key, especially after a night of overconsumption. Water will help flush out toxins, aid digestion, and fight gas-induced bloating.
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Egg-and-Veggie Omelet
High-protein eggs contain the amino acid cysteine, which breaks down the toxin from alcohol (acetaldehyde), allowing it to be eliminated through urine, while fiber-rich veggies like spinach and tomatoes help you de-bloat and keep digestion chugging along. Skip the cheese and side of bacon, though, as high-fat foods slow the passage of food into the small intestine, which can lead to more bloating, gas, and cramping post–junk binge.
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Ginger or Peppermint Tea
If you're feeling superbloated or crampy or are experiencing indigestion, ginger or peppermint tea may be your best liquid bet. These two soothing brews are both considered antispasmodic, meaning they help relax the muscles in your digestive tract and allow gas to pass through more easily, preventing those sharp, stabbing pains. Bonus: They're caffeine-free, so they count toward your water intake.
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Bananas
If you really overdid it on the alcohol (see your body on alcohol), dehydration has caused you to lose minerals like potassium, which is found in bananas as well as coconut water and potatoes (and many of these foods that lower blood pressure), so you'll want to restore them. Getting potassium will also help counter the effects, like bloating, of ingesting too much sodium from salty snacks.
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Oatmeal
If you're feeling queasy after a junk food and booze free-for-all, oatmeal topped with sliced pears may be a smarter choice than eggs or yogurt. This combo is still packed with healthy fiber, but both oatmeal and pears are extra gentle on the stomach.
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Water-Rich Fruits
Think cantaloupe, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, and raspberries. If water alone is hard to stomach, these fruits will help you hydrate and restore vitamins and minerals that can help you emerge from your sugar coma energized! They're also packed with fiber and aid in digestion.
