The best foods to eat after holiday binges

Nov 05, 2010 8:19 AM by Michele Borboa, MS

Posted in Food & Recipes / Healthy Recipes & Nutrition

Best Post-Holiday
Diet Foods

As the holidays approach, you’ll find plenty of tips and tricks to avoid overeating during the “most wonderful time of the year.” But chances are, when you sit down for the holiday feasts, you will eat too much and perhaps even binge eat during the entire holiday season. Although we do encourage you to eat in moderation while enjoying the holidays, we also suggest you keep handy this list of the best foods to eat after holiday binges.

Woman eating yogurt

Water

After you've spooned and forked a whopping holiday plate of food into your mouth, your body is going to crave adequate hydration to not only aid in digestion, but also to flush the inevitable high level of sodium from your meal. Start your post binge recovery with a cold glass of water and aim for 8, 8-ounce, glasses of ice water every day (research shows that your body burns around eight calories per glass of ice water to raise the temperature of the water to body temperature).

Chicken or the egg

If you happened to scarf down a huge helping of turkey, you may not want to see a gobble-gobble again until next year. So, opt for a skinless chicken breast—or eggs. High in protein and relatively low in calories, chicken and eggs are an excellent source of lean protein that can help reduce bloat while also curb post-binge cravings for carb-rich foods.

Yogurt

Bypass the sugary fruit-bottomed yogurt and reach for plain yogurt (preferably Greek-style for its satisfying texture and nutrient density) and stir in a bit of agave or your favorite fresh fruit. The probiotics in yogurt can help get your digestive system back on track while the combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fat can keep your blood sugar levels in check.

Leafy greens

One of the most concentrated sources of nutrients, dark leafy greens, are low in calories and ultra versatile in the kitchen. Include leafy greens in every meal of the day: Sauté spinach or chard to fold into a breakfast omelet, toss romaine and arugula with chicken and nuts for a salad, or stir kale or mustard greens into a bean soup. Leafy greens are also loaded with fiber, which will stabilize your blood sugar and keep you full longer.

Whole grains

Whole grains are a tasty source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can fill you up without filling you out. Avoid white flour products and have one serving of whole grains with every meal. Pair whole wheat toast with an egg, combine quinoa with toasted nuts and a modest handful of dried fruit, and toss high fiber pasta with salmon, herbs, and a little olive oil.