The Holidays are a stressful time, from traveling to the overabundance of less than healthy foods; it can be hard to keep your stomach feeling anything but remorseful. Any number of factors can contribute to you feeling bloated and puffy during the winter months, so stay proactive by following a healthy exercise and diet routine. For an extra push following family feasts, try these body hacks to keep your clothing comfortable and your stomach smiling…

Challenge Salt



By now everyone knows salt can leave even the fittest feeling swollen and uncomfortable. Avoid the table shaker and counter excessive salt consumption by flushing your system with plenty of water. Get your daily recommended 8 glasses of H2O and add fresh lemon or lime for an enhanced flavor without artificial sweeteners-which only serve to bloat you even more. Citrus also acts as a natural diuretic by helping the body remove toxins and eliminate waste gently. Consuming potassium rich foods such as bananas, carrots, spinach, and raisins will also help aid in counter acting excessive sodium levels in the body.

Get Moving



Exercise can be a huge help when reducing stomach bloat! Getting your heart pumping boosts blood circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system, essentially causing your body to detox! Take a 15 minute stroll after meals and incorporate a few stretches into your nightly routine to reduce bloating and improve overall digestion and circulation.

Sip Green Tea



According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea has traditionally been used as a diuretic to help the body rid itself of excessive fluids. Green tea is widely used in the treatment of gas and poor digestion. A popular home remedy for bloating, green tea has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. Sip on a glass of warm green tea with a sliver of lemon for a boost of DNA repairing antioxidants and quick relief from bloating and constipation.

Nix the Coffee



Speaking of caffeinated beverages, while green tea may help aid in triumphing over holiday bloat, coffee can actually worsen digestive issues. It may seem like a good idea to down a cup of coffee to stimulate digestion as it often appears to have a triggering effect, however, Dr. Roger Gebhard, M.D. a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis advises us otherwise. “Coffee can overexcite the digestive tract and may stimulate spasms in the bowel that cause bloating.” Stick to water and green tea for a gentle yet effective liquid solution.

Have your own remedies for conquering holiday bloat? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter @AnatomieStyle