If you've gone off track that diet you solemnly swore you would stick to this time, or just plain overeaten, take solace in the fact that you're not alone. We all slip every now and then. As much time as one may spend in the gym, praying to the calorie gods to bypass them as their victims, it's hard to always say no to all the delicious food one sees all around. Whether you're attending a wedding, on a holiday, or just out for dinner with friends - life happens - and there's only so much 'no, thank you' you can really dole out before someone forces you to eat that dessert that you were tempted to eat anyway. Or that delicious looking assortment of bread that comes before your meal.
The point is, you can't always say no or even always fight off the temptation. The occasional treat is justified, even if what you see after in the mirror is less than ideal in your books. Having said that, no one likes feeling bloated - whether it's because you overate or simply ate all the wrong foods. If you think it's time to get back on track and beat the bloat, here are a few things that could help.
1. Don't skip breakfast
You might think skipping a meal after that all-too-heavy dinner the night before is a good idea, but it's really not. The best thing you can do for your body now is to nudge it back into its normal routine. Start with a light, but fibre-rich breakfast the next day and follow the pattern through the day. Eating a full but healthy meal first thing in the morning will help you avoid any cravings or hunger pangs you might experience later in the day.
2. Stay hydrated
If you're feeling bloated because of overeating, it's probably because all the fluids your body is holding on to due to all the sodium-rich food you might have eaten. This can lead to your body feeling bloated everywhere - not just around your stomach. Drinking more fluid when your body already has an excess might not seem to make sense, but it does. Drinking a decent amount of water will help flush out some of that sodium and make your body release the excess fluids, which will make it feel less distended. Drink as much as is comfortable, and keep sipping on water through the day.
3. Sip on hot tea
Not all bloating is due to fluid retention. Overeating, or eating foods that irritate the intestinal tract can lead to gas in the digestive tract. Sipping on hot tea can help soothe your gut and relieve some of the gas that might be causing you discomfort. Opt for a mint tea or chamomile if you want something milder. Make sure you avoid sugar in the tea, though, because sugar too can lead to water retention in your cells.
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