Cyprus Times

5 Tips to Avoid Holiday Bloat

Published January 2, 2026, 13:11
5 Tips to Avoid Holiday Bloat

Holiday meals often come with overeating, indigestion, and bloating. Research shows that a typical festive meal can exceed 3,000 calories, leading to discomfort. However, nutrition experts suggest five simple strategies to reduce bloating and enjoy the holidays without problems. First, identify foods that cause you bloating and avoid them as much as possible. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, and highly processed foods. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help pinpoint these foods. Additionally, experts recommend not skipping meals before the big holiday feast, as this can lead to overconsumption. Instead, consume regular meals and snacks throughout the day to regulate digestion and avoid excessive hunger. Finally, small, strategic changes to the meal are suggested, such as replacing heavy appetizers with lighter options (e.g., hummus with vegetables) and choosing sweet potatoes or legumes as side dishes. Legumes, rich in potassium, help neutralize fluid retention.