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The holidays are here – and so are fattening comfort foods. You may not have been ready for summer, but your winter bod is ready to take on all of the holiday treats. Beating the holiday bloat may not be easy, but with these simple tips and tricks, you should be able to avoid the Festivity Fifteen.

Use Good Bacteria

Loading up on antioxidants during the holiday season helps you digest greasy food more easily, and decreases the likelihood that you will bloat and/or gain weight. Try a probiotic drink, like kombucha, or coconut water. Blueberries are a healthy snack chock full of antioxidants, and are a great energy-boost during a midday slump.

When you introduce “good” bacteria into your system, it helps to cleanse your body and boosts your immune system. It also ensures that your body will not experience “bacterial overgrowth” and prevents diseases. Additionally, it can calm an inflamed gut wall, making it easier to take in all of those holiday treats!

Eat Breakfast

Eating more may seem counterproductive, but getting a healthy start to your day provides you with more energy and prevents you from overeating later. Oatmeal is a great option for a filling, energy-packed breakfast. Make sure that your breakfast has plenty of lean protein and fiber – eggs are another protein-filled choice. We won’t side-eye you, either, if you choose to put a little sriracha on those eggs.

Drink Water!

It may seem like a no-brainer, but upping your water drinking will prevent holiday bloat. Water helps to flush out toxins that are hanging around in your system. Drinking more of it will aid your kidneys in ridding your body of excess salt and, ironically, water, and will lower that bloated tummy.

Get in Shape

We know that winter is not when you want to get in shape, but if you really want to beat the holiday bloat, you will make an effort to keep your exercise routine. Exercising increases cardiovascular strength, makes your bones healthier and stronger, lowers stress, and helps you sleep better.

Try some (or all!) of these tips during the fall and winter, and you’re sure to feel better, both mentally, emotionally, and physically. Your waistline will thank you!

Tags: bloat, fitness, Health, holiday bloat, holiday fat, holiday health, holiday weight