Christmas Day is not the day for food rules, diet checks, or that “should I be eating this?” energy. It’s the day of late breakfasts, odd meal timings (midnight pudding munchies anyone?!), richer food than usual, a few glasses of something festive, and sitting around more than normal.
And that’s fine.

The goal isn’t to have perfect digestion over the holidays. It’s about giving your body some quiet support in the background so you can enjoy the day without bloating, heaviness, or regret ruining it for you.

Here’s how to do exactly that, without turning Christmas into a wellness project.

1. Start the Day Gently (Not Empty, Not Heavy)

Skipping breakfast often backfires later with bloating, overeating, and sluggish digestion.

Go for something small and grounding instead:

• Protein + fat (eggs, yogurt, nut butter).
• Warm drinks over icy smoothies.
• No pressure to “eat clean”, just eat something.

This tells your digestive system: We’re awake. Let’s get to work.

2. Hydration Is the Unsung Hero (Yes, Even Today)

Dehydration slows digestion and alcohol exaggerates it. You don’t need to chug water all day but you do need to have a few regular sips throughout:

• One glass on waking.
• One before food.
• One between drinks.

Digestion relies on fluids to move things along, and no fluids means bloating city.

3. Support Bile Flow (Without Thinking About It)

Fatty meals need bile to break them down. Your stomach acid starts the digestive process and bile finishes it. So if bile flow is sluggish, you’re going to feel it.

Easy ways to support bile flow:

• A squeeze of lemon in water.
• Bitter greens somewhere on the plate.
• Gentle movement (even standing up between courses).

This isn’t some kind of voodoo airy-fairy detox talk; it’s basic physiology.

4. Eat Slower, Not Faster

Digestion starts in the mouth. We know that meals look good, but if you inhale your food, your gut has to work overtime - and you’re going to pay for it later.

No need to chew 30 times, just:

• Put the fork down occasionally.
• Breathe between bites.
• Notice when you’re full before discomfort hits.

This way, you’ll enjoy the food more and digest it better. And you can have some dinner chats in between mouthfuls!

5. Walk It Off (Casually)

You need to announce your “post-meal walk” to the table.

Just:

• Offer to help clear plates.
• Wander outside for fresh air.
• Walk the dog, the kids, or yourself. Or see who else wants to come, you’ll likely have a few takers who need the same thing!

Movement stimulates digestion and reduces that heavy, stuck feeling.

6. Keep Stress Low: It Matters More Than Food Choices

Stress literally shuts digestion down. So if you:

• Eat dessert
• Have seconds
• Drink wine
• Snack late

… don’t beat yourself up about it! Be relaxed, laughing, and present. It’s way better to indulge a little when you’re relaxed than eating “perfectly” while tense. In case you didn’t notice, your nervous system is running the show here, so work with it.

7. Gentle Digestive Support (Optional, Not Mandatory)

If you’re prone to bloating or heaviness, some supplement support can help:

• Digestive enzymes.
• Heartburn Relief (Heartburn Relief Kit will help here.
• Magnesium later in the evening.

Nothing aggressive. Nothing too out-there. Just natural support.

Eat the Food & Enjoy Your Day!

Christmas Day digestion isn’t about restriction. It’s about giving your body a little extra help so it can do what it’s designed to do.

So:

• Eat the food.
• Enjoy the day.
• Support digestion quietly, and let the memories be the main event.

Because the healthiest thing you can do this holiday might just be relax.

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