New Year’s Eve is a special time when we celebrate the excitement of welcoming a new year with loved ones, enjoying delicious meals, desserts, and snacks. However, the consumption of more food than usual, sweets, and perhaps a little too much alcohol often results in bloating and digestive issues like fluid retention the next day. According to a Nutrition and Diet Specialist, it’s inevitable to experience problems like fatigue and low energy after a joyful night.

Is it possible to start the first day of the new year feeling healthier and more at ease? Harika Özkaya Yurttadur, a Nutrition and Diet Specialist at Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital, emphasized that it is achievable through simple and effective measures. She provided suggestions to help detoxify the body, reduce bloating, and aid digestion.

Start Your Day with Plenty of Water

Our expert stressed the importance of water, especially on this day, stating: “When you wake up in the morning, the thing your body needs most is water. You may have become dehydrated due to excess salt or alcohol on New Year’s Eve. Start your day with 1-2 glasses of warm lemon water, and aim to drink at least 2.5 liters of water throughout the day. Adding mint, cinnamon, or lemon can make drinking water easier. This will ease digestion and help reduce fluid retention more effectively.”

Have a Light and Balanced Breakfast

For breakfast, our expert recommended opting for a light meal to give the stomach a rest: “A good option could be a boiled egg with a salad rich in greens and a slice of whole wheat bread. Alternatively, oatmeal topped with fruits, raw almonds, or walnuts can be chosen. For gut health, yogurt or kefir can also be included in breakfast.”

Keep Meals Light

Our expert highlighted the benefits of having light meals throughout the day: “If you consumed high-energy, salty, and carbohydrate-rich foods the previous evening, complete your meals during the day with low-salt and lighter options. Eat balanced and adequate meals without starving yourself. To support digestion, include well-cooked vegetables, salads with plenty of greens, and low-fat protein sources like eggs and fish in your main meals. For snacks, you can choose yogurt, oats, fresh fruits, or raw nuts”. 

Limit Salt and Avoid Sugar

The expert reminded us that consuming overly salty foods on New Year’s Eve is one of the main reasons for fluid retention the following day: “To prevent this, avoid adding too much salt to meals the next day and steer clear of salty products. Additionally, it’s best to stay away from sugary desserts or products today. To satisfy your sweet cravings, you can opt for fruits like dates or apricots.”

Use Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can be helpful for reducing bloating and aiding digestion. Herbal teas such as fennel, ginger, green tea, and linden can support digestion and reduce bloating. Mint tea can soothe the stomach, while cinnamon and clove tea can balance blood sugar and curb sweet cravings.

Boost Your Metabolism by Moving

Although exercising after New Year’s Eve might seem challenging, our expert pointed out that even light physical activity can be beneficial: “If possible, morning walks can improve blood circulation, which helps eliminate toxins. At home, yoga or Pilates can boost your metabolism and improve digestion.”

Don’t Blame Yourself

“One of the most important things to do after this enjoyable night is to avoid blaming yourself for what you ate or drank,” said our expert. “Having a night of indulgence doesn’t mean you’ve lost all your healthy habits. Remember, it’s always up to you to continue eating healthily and balanced”.

Recipes to Help Reduce Fluid Retentior

1.    Recipe
•    1 cup brewed and cooled green tea 
•    1 green apple 
•    3-4 fresh mint leaves
•    Juice of ½ lemon

Blend all the ingredients and consume 1 glass during the day or as a snack.

2.    Recipe
•    1 cucumber
•    A handful of parsley
•    1 green apple
•    ½ cup plain kefir

Blend all the ingredients and consume 1 glass during the day or as a snack..

3.    Recipe
•    1 thin slice of pineapple
•    ½ banana
•    1 cup almond milk
•    3-4 fresh mint leaves
•    Juice of ½ lemon

Blend all the ingredients and consume 1 glass during the day or as a snack..