WHAT TO EAT AFTER A DAY OF UNHEALTHY EATING

AA
11 hours ago
4 min read

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You know those days where you just....don't even think about what you're eating?

It always starts the same. First, it's a snack, then it's a soda, then suddenly dinner is chips out of the bag or cookies because you're too tired and way past caring what you put in your mouth.

And of course, after, you're sitting there feeling like a rock, exhausted, and low-key mad at yourself.

Yep, been there. Just yesterday!

Well, nobody eats perfect all the time. Not even the people who pretend they do!

Don't stress over one day. Seriously. One day of eating junk food isn't the end of the world. It feels bigger than it is, especially when you've been doing so good. But your body bounces back.

The issue is when "just today" becomes tomorrow too, and then next week, and then you're looking back at the month like....oh.

So the key is catching yourself early. No detox teas. No punish-yourself diets.

Our bodies are the most incredible creation. It's smart. Incredibly smart. It knows how to process and reset. But you do need to help it. A little nudge in the right direction.

So if you're sitting there kicking yourself after a day of junk food, here are some things you can do to make you feel better.

9 Foods To Eat After A Day of Unhealthy Eating

Here are 9 foods. You don't have to eat them all. Pick a few and you'll feel better.

Water

I know, I know, boring. But really, start with water.

Junk food usually comes with loads of salt and sugar, and both dehydrate you. And that's why you feel gross and swollen the next morning.

Water helps, but not if you only chug it once. Keep sipping through the day. Refill your cup, carry your bottle, just make it easy. It's simple, but it actually makes such a difference.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of those things you might forget about until your stomach feels stuffed, and then suddenly you remember, oh right, I should add this to whatever I'm eating. They hold a ton of water, they've got fiber, and they just....help things move along. Also, they're high in antioxidants.

They're very versatile in terms of how you can include them in your meals. You don't need a recipe or anything. Just mix a spoonful into whatever you're already eating. Yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie, salads, noodles, even plain water if you don't mind the texture turning a little jelly-ish. It's nothing fancy, but it does the trick.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds are chia's cousin. Same idea, but with healthy fats your body actually needs.

If you grind them up, your body can use them better. Toss on oatmeal, salads, or even mix into sauces if you want. Just an easy way to sneak something good into your day.

Apples

Sometimes the fix is that simple. An apple. Or a pear. Or some berries. You're basically giving your body fiber and natural sweetness without dragging yourself down more. And you know that snacky urge you get? This usually calms it down without you feeling like you're missing out.

Soup

After a greasy meal, and feeling gross after. A soup or a light broth is like a little break for your stomach. Warm, gentle, easy to digest.

You don't need to cook all day either. Even a store-bought veggie soup or a miso soup packet works. You can take your soup with rice and veggies if you want to add some bulk. Your body will thank you.

Aloe Vera

Okay, so aloe drinks. Some people love them, some don't.

They can calm your stomach when you're feeling bloated or just heavy after eating junk all day. But you can't go wild with it because too much will have you running to the bathroom, no joke.

If you try it, make sure you get the kind that's actually meant for drinking, and start small. See how your body handles it first.

Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV gets hyped like it's some miracle cure, which it's not. But, when diluted properly, it can help with digestion or steady your blood sugar a bit.

A teaspoon in a big glass of water before a meal is plenty. Just don't ever drink it straight. You'll just end up hurting your teeth and your throat.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are like a reset button for your gut when you've spent the day snacking on junk.

They've got probiotics, which are little reinforcements for your digestion. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, whatever you actually like. You don't need a lot. A couple of spoonfuls with lunch or dinner is fine.

It's not about going extreme, just about giving your gut a tiny bit of help bouncing back.

Back to your regular meals

This might be the hardest part, because it feels too boring. But really, you don't need to "fix" a day of unhealthy eating with something extreme. Just go back to your usual meals.

Eggs on toast. Rice and veggies. A salad with some protein. Just keep things simple and steady. No starving yourself, no crazy punishment diets. Just ease back into balance.

Don't suddenly flood your body with fiber if you normally don't eat much, because then you'll just feel bloated in a different way. Take it slow.

Also, don't beat yourself up over it either. Guilt doesn't burn calories. Honestly, the stress probably does more harm than the fries did.

Move your body a little. A walk, stretching, even just cleaning up around the house. It'll help with digestion and make you feel less stuck.

And most importantly, remember one bad day doesn't ruin anything. What you do most of the time is what matters.