The Happy Gut Holiday: How I'm Keeping My Digestion Merry & Bright

Avoid the holiday bloat with these simple tweaks.

Let’s be honest, the holidays are a time when we want to indulge in rich foods, sugary treats, and that extra glass of wine. We’re also traveling more, sleeping less, and our schedules are generally thrown off.

I may or may not be speaking for myself too.

But because of all this, it’s also exactly why our bodies need more support than ever. Sure we can suck it up and say we’ll just detox and reset in January. It’s the easy button — at least for right now.

Why dig yourself into a hole though? Especially when I’ve got some simple tips to keep your digestion in tip top shape — preventing the dreaded bloat, stomach upset, and water weight gain.

Join me as I share my personal strategies for maintaining a happy and healthy gut this season.

In this article you’ll learn:

• 10 Gut Friendly Strategies

• Digestion supportive recipes

• Specific supplements & other remedies

The Science Behind Gut Health

Before diving into my personal routine, let's briefly explore why gut health is so crucial. Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota. These microbes play a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental health.

An imbalance in the gut microbiota, often caused by unhealthy eating habits, stress, and lack of sleep, can lead to digestive issues like bloating, gas, and water retention.

If you take care of our gut now, you’ll coast into January feeling so much better than years past.

My Gut-Friendly Holiday Strategies

I could definitely go deeper than this list (and I do with my 1:1 clients) — but for our purposes here, we’re going with quick, supportive wins to utilize the next few weeks.

1. Sit Down: The holidays go by fast and we’re typically rushing from school recital to tree lighting to cocktail party to a family gathering. But your gut needs you to slow down — remember (as best you can) to sit when eating with your feet on the floor.

2. Practice “hara hachi bu”: This Japanese phrase means "eat until you're 80% full" — helping with portion control, better digestion, and improved recognition of hunger/fullness cues. Practice putting your utensils down after each bite, removing distractions like phone/TV, use smaller plates, and connect with those around you.

3. Hydration is Key: Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, including gut health — and it often falls by the wayside during the holidays. Drink 100 ounces with minerals and electrolytes added, aiming for 20 ounces first thing (before coffee).