7 Ways to Feel Better After Eating Too Much Holiday Food

Nikole Stewart |

Updated: Dec 27, 2024

holiday food, eating too much — Credit: Unsplash

Rich in fat, sugar, and salt, holiday foods often have too much of a good thing — and you might need respite if you eat too much, yet again.

The good news is the holiday season does end and we can go back to forgetting all about gingerbread men’s hot cocoa soon enough. But can you tell when you start to overeat? And what are some ways to feel better after eating too much?

Sometimes it’s easy to tell before you leave the table, but symptoms may spring up hours later or the next morning. Upset stomach. Bloating. Gas. Pain. A lack of energy for doing anything besides lolling about. Most of all, you’ll feel terrible. Here are a few ways to feel a bit better after eating too much holiday food.

Sign up for the newsletter for more tips and tricks for a healthier lifestyle.

1. Give It Time

Relax Feel Better After You Ate Too Much, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Designed to handle gorging, your digestive tract just needs time to process meals. After all, it’s not like our human ancestors ate three balanced meals a day. In time, you will process the food and absorb all the nutrients without any lasting harm to your system.

Unless you are prone to acid reflux, you could try to take a nap to make the time pass more quickly. Most food hangovers are history within 24 hours, so rest is one way to get by.

2. Liquids

Water Feel Better After You Ate Too Much, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Many holiday foods are high in sodium. It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water can help you feel less bloated by flushing the excess salt from your system. You may also want to try sipping a caffeine-free herbal tea, but skip the alcohol and carbonated drinks.

Feeling nauseated? One of the best ways to feel better after eating too much is drinking ginger tea.

3. Move

Walking Feel Better After You Ate Too Much, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash+

Feeling full? Go for a walk outside or even on a treadmill. Moving after a heavy meal may prompt your digestive tract to get moving too. For many people, sitting or lying down directly after a meal can contribute to acid reflux, and walking may be a better option than taking a nap.

4. Chew Gum

Gum Feel Better After You Ate Too Much, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Chewing on a piece of gum creates saliva, which stimulates your stomach acid and may help aid digestion. Choose sugar-free gum and avoid mint flavors, which may cause heartburn for some people.

5. Probiotics

Probiotic Feel Better After You Ate Too Much, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Probiotics, whether consumed in supplement form or via foods like kefir and yogurt, can help balance out your digestive system and reduce diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. You may not feel the results immediately, but probiotics are an important part of your overall digestive health regimen. This can make a difference in your gut the day or week after overeating, so you’ll thank yourself later.

6. Antacids

Antiacids Feel Better After You Ate Too Much, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

While they’re no long-term solution, aluminum-based antacids (like Tums, Mylanta, or Maalox) may reduce the symptoms of heartburn and help you feel better after eating too much. Or give natural digestive enzymes a try — this is especially helpful before the meal if you can predict that far in advance.

7. Make the Next Meal Healthy

Healthy Meal Feel Better After You Ate Too Much, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

You may not feel like eating anything for hours, but when you finally do, make sure that your meal contains a healthy and somewhat bland balance of protein and complex carbs. High-fiber vegetables like artichokes and broccoli will help your digestive system get back to normal by absorbing excess water. Avoid eating anything with too much fat, sugar, or salt.