How to Bounce Back from Overeating After New Year Celebrations

Any average new year celebration ‘must haves’ include non-stop dancing and music, a mandatory bonfire to sit and chit-chat by as well as loads of food! It is a well-known fact that you need a day to recover from the fatigue of the previous day’s festivities, after all, dancing and having fun takes a toll on your body. But sometimes you need more than just a day, you need a week because your digestive system is absolutely gutted! During the festivities it is very easy to overindulge in all the tasty food, and more than often the food is not entirely healthy, filled with sugary treats, salty snacks and buttery feasts. While there is nothing wrong with letting loose once in a while, it is a whole different ball game when you are maintaining a below average diet or overeating beyond your capabilities. While you can reset your body after this, here are some things you must keep in mind.

After a few days of indulging in less healthy foods, you might notice some uncomfortable changes. You could experience constipation which means it becomes difficult to have regular bowel movements, especially if you ate a lot of cheese, red meat, or processed snacks like cookies and crackers, which are high in fat and low in fiber. Bloating is another common side effect which is often caused by salty foods like cheese, soups, processed snacks, and even bread, these are the things that make your body retain water. Rich, fatty foods can also slow down digestion and contribute to this bloated feeling, with the food being somewhat stagnant in your digestive system. On top of the physical discomfort, you might also feel down or disappointed, especially if you’ve been working hard to eat healthy. This can even affect your sleep and concentration.

While you may bounce back from the effects of overeating within a few weeks or days, to hasten the process you can try these methods. If you see the effects of it not disappearing with time, visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Physical activity acts as a natural detox, boosting gut motility to eliminate excess calories, fat, and sugars. Movement also triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, mood-enhancing chemicals that promote mental well-being. A brisk walk, a quick bike ride, or even tackling household chores can get your body moving and your mind refocused, aiding in both physical and mental recovery after overeating.

Hydration is essential for bodily functions and helps flush out excesses. Proper hydration supports digestion, blood circulation, kidney function, skin health, and even oral hygiene. Staying well-hydrated contributes to an overall feeling of well-being and helps the body recover efficiently after periods of dietary indulgence.

Stepping on the scale immediately after overeating can be discouraging and unhelpful. Weight fluctuations are normal after dietary changes. Returning to your regular eating habits will allow your body to naturally return to its baseline weight. Focus on positive health indicators like energy levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being rather than fixating on weight.

Purging behaviors, such as vomiting, using laxatives, or excessive exercise to compensate for overeating, are harmful and can cause serious health complications. These actions can lead to heart problems, acid reflux, gastrointestinal issues, low blood pressure, organ damage, osteoporosis, dehydration, menstrual irregularities, and even stroke. If you engage in binging and purging, seeking professional help is crucial.