Whether it’s the holidays, a barbeque, or a simple pick-me-up after a long and stressful day, we’re all guilty of overeating at some point in life. It probably has something to do with the sight of good food, and when you pair that with the great company of friends and family, it really is the perfect time to enjoy ourselves more than usual. But how do you bounce back? After a day of over-indulging, how can you make it up to yourself? Here are some of the best ways to help you get back on track! 

 

1. Drink water. 

Drink as much water as you can! Staying hydrated is important, but more than that, the benefits of drinking water after overindulging can help reduce that bloated feeling we all get after overeating (caused by excess sodium intake). It can also help with digestion and encourage regular bowel movements. We recommend staying away from caffeine and other sugary drinks, but if you really must have some extra flavor, a glass of lemon water (either hot or room temperature) should do the trick. 

 

2. Get physical!

Not only will exercise burn the calories you’ve consumed, it can also improve your mood and increase your energy levels. Nothing like a good, blood pumping routine to lift your spirits! Plus, if you’re really mindful of your health, exercising has a host of other benefits that can help more than just overindulging: it also manages blood sugar and insulin levels, reduces the risk of heart diseases, and maintains weight. 

 

3. Pack the leftovers. 

It’s tempting to dig in and finish some (or all) of the leftovers in your fridge, but this can easily set you back and lead to another day of overeating. We don’t want to throw delicious food away and contribute to food waste either, so the best thing to do is this: share them! Pack those leftovers up and give them to neighbors, family, and friends at work, especially food that you can’t put in the freezer. As for everything else, keep them frozen and ready for reheating later. 

 

It’s ok to overeat as long as you don’t make a habit out of it to the point that it starts having a negative impact on your health. The important thing here is knowing how to bounce back so you can return to normal programming right after – normal programming as in a nutritious and balanced meal. That being said, you’re fine. You overindulged once, big deal; you’ve got many more days to make it up and continue eating healthy!