With the holidays approaching, calories everywhere are gearing up for their biggest rave of the year. We’re talking 4,500 of ‘em oontz oontzing to belt-busting helpings of seconds and thirds. Thankfully, not all holiday dishes need to derail your health goals—and some can even help.
Eat, Drink, and Feel Crappy
From food comas to in-laws, the holidays are an annual reminder that sometimes less is more. Overeating—even one meal—can throw your metabolism into a tailspin. Here’s why moderation matters:
- Big Time Bloat
Holiday staples can stretch your stomach, pushing against other organs, and causing gas, reflux, and digestive discomfort. The top button trick can only do so much! - Blood Sugar Swings
Refined sugars and carbs can spike your blood sugar for hours, followed by extended crashes resulting in both fatigue and more unwanted cravings. - Haywire Appetite Hormones
Overeating impairs your body's ability to regulate appetite hormones like GLP-1, potentially leading to weight gain.
Dishes That Dish Out Benefits
The good news is that numerous Turkey Day staples are actually tailormade to help you beat the bloat and maintain a healthy metabolism.
- Turkey—this lean, mean protein MVP helps trigger GLP-1 to keep hunger in check
- Brussels Sprouts—fiber + healthy fats (with walnuts) = a gut-healthy good time
- Sweet Potatoes—packed with prebiotic resistant starch (for gut health), vitamin A (for immunity), and potassium (to counteract bloating)
- Leafy greens—rich in minerals & antioxidants that reduce blood sugar spikes and fight inflammation
- Whole grains—fiber-rich champions like quinoa, farro, and wild rice nourish gut microbes, stabilize blood sugar, and boost GLP-1
The troublemakers to avoid are those you’d expect: gravy, candied yams, creamy casseroles, marshmallows, white bread stuffing, and other simple refined carbs.
A Few More Holiday Hacks
- Don’t Skip Breakfast
Roughly 1,500 TDay calories come from pre-feast grazing, so a filling morning meal is key for kickstarting your metabolism and preventing all-day snacking. Tip: Supergut Shakes work wonders. - Move Your Body
Even a 15-minute walk after dinner can trigger GLP-1, stabilize blood sugar, and help your body digest food more quickly. - Boost the Bad Stuff
Can’t skip your favorite indulgences? No problem. Sprinkle some GLP-1 Booster into especially problematic dishes to add fiber and minimize post-meal havoc. - Give Seconds a Second Thought
It takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you’re full. Take a beat and a breath. Your top button will thank you. - Easy on the Alcohol
Boozy drinks can activate brain signals that mirror your body’s response to starvation. Stick to 1-2 drinks and alternate with water.
Final Word
The key to a healthy holiday feast is indulging without over-indulging. To do so, opt for fiber and protein-packed dishes, take a post-meal walk, and let Supergut do the heavy lifting. Use code GUTCHECK for 20% off and stay on track this holiday season.