Dietitian Advises Israelis on Managing Holiday Overeating

An Israeli dietitian has offered guidance on how to manage digestive issues and feelings of guilt following the autumn holiday feasts. According to Ynet, the expert advises against drastic measures like fasting, skipping meals, or engaging in excessive exercise to compensate for overeating. Such attempts to 'correct' one's diet can be counterproductive and harmful.

Specialists emphasize that holiday meals do not constitute a diet break requiring subsequent restrictions. Instead, individuals should simply return to their regular eating habits without resorting to 'detoxes,' juice cleanses, or severe diets. The body's natural systems, such as the liver and kidneys, are capable of processing and eliminating waste, rendering artificial 'cleansing' unnecessary. Replacing meals with green juices or prolonged fasting can increase stress and guilt, fostering an unhealthy mindset of punishing the body for overindulgence.

Holiday periods naturally disrupt normal eating patterns with social gatherings, sweets, and extra snacks. However, dietary habits are shaped by long-term routines, not isolated meals. Therefore, restricting oneself the day after a large meal can paradoxically increase hunger, lead to obsessive thoughts about food, and interfere with the body's natural hunger cues.

Feelings of fullness and bloating after heavy meals are normal due to the longer digestion time of larger food volumes and temporary fluid retention from salt and carbohydrates. Alcohol, lack of sleep, and reduced physical activity also contribute to temporary discomfort. A slight increase on the scale post-holidays typically reflects this temporary state rather than significant fat gain.

To recover, the dietitian recommends returning to a normal diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and gradually resuming physical activity. If experiencing discomfort, reducing portion sizes and choosing lighter foods temporarily is advisable, but fasting should be avoided. Exercise should be viewed as part of a healthy lifestyle, not as punishment for holiday calories. Slower eating, drinking more water, walking, and maintaining regular sleep and eating schedules are key to recovery. For post-alcohol recovery, time, water, and regular food are more effective than 'detox' drinks or supplements.

Previously, the Ministry of Health cautioned Israeli families preparing for Rosh Hashanah feasts about potential dangers of traditional dishes for young children under five.