The ultimate guide to taking care of your digestive system during the holidays

You know, the holiday season is the time when the table is always overflowing with "just one more bite..." and dinners follow one another so quickly that you haven't even had time to sit down before you're being served more?!

And then… your stomach swells just from the sight of a meat pie!!
I swear, I've experienced that so many times myself!

By the way, if we haven't met yet... HEYY! I'm Carla Kay , a prenatal and postpartum coach, mother of two young children, and a specialist in the natural healing of diastasis recti. This condition affects more than 60% of women after childbirth. For the past 28 months, I've helped over 165,000 mothers worldwide regain a flatter stomach , more stable digestion, and the confidence they thought they had lost.

And honestly… the holiday season is really the time when your digestion is under the most strain.

The stress of overeating, lack of water, and alcohol consumption cause your stomach to tire more quickly.

"You're not the problem, it's just that the season is intense for many people, especially those who have been pregnant."

And since I've been through this so many times, I wanted to share with you what I did to enjoy myself without having that feeling of heaviness, bloating or discomfort.

Why does your stomach bloat so much during the holidays? (The REAL reason)

Look at what often happens:

Heavier, richer meals … and often very close together.
Much less water , but much MORE alcohol .
Short nights because we go to bed late and don't get enough rest .
Mental stress (spending on gifts, outings, organizing dinners, taking care of the children…and guilt about having eaten too much).
Zero workout (you just lie there on the couch because you're too exhausted).

Your body is just doing its best to keep up...we're not robots!

And most of the time, a bloated stomach has nothing to do with "eating too much".
It's just your digestive system raising a "red flag" and telling you:
"YO... I'm overwhelmed. Give me a break." It's normal, we're all human, and you're not alone in experiencing this.

My "Holiday Anti-Bloating Kit"

This is not a kit for "eating less". This is not a kit for "performing well".
It's a kit to survive the holidays without your stomach "exploding"... For real!

Here's what I PERSONALLY take:

1. Digestive enzymes

Honestly? If I don't take this before a big holiday meal, I bloat in no time! Take it 15 minutes before your meal.

Less bloating
More stable digestion
You don't end up collapsed on the sofa after meals

2. Electrolytes

Between the salt and the desserts, electrolytes help me avoid the sluggish feeling and fatigue that often accompany Christmas dinners. Take 1 to 2 times throughout the day.

More energy
Better digestion
Less bloating
Perfect if you drink alcohol

3. Multivitamins

With all the Christmas dinners, it helps me maintain my energy and prevent my digestion from giving out after two bites! Take one dose per day.

Energy
Immune support
Better digestion

4. Collagen + Vitamin C

My little secret for loose skin after having a baby… especially during the holiday season, when I eat more salt and my skin becomes duller. One dose every morning, and I really see the difference !

Firmer skin
Improved elasticity
Post-pregnancy support

Digestive well-being: my special holiday routine

The morning

1. I start my day with a large glass of hot lemon water to avoid bloating before having your coffee (or espresso).
2. I then take electrolytes in a glass of water to wake up my body, then my collagen and my vitamin C pills.
3. Above all, I add my multivitamin to support my energy.
4. And I do two minutes of meditation to calm my system before the day starts off in a sprint…!!

Before a meal

1. I take a digestive enzyme 15 minutes before each of my meals to help with my digestion.
2. And I drink a nice glass of water.
   

After the meal

I do some core exercises to refocus, aid my digestion, and avoid bloating. Then, I go for a 10-15 minute walk to give my body a little boost and help it digest.

The day after

Same routine as yesterday!

1. I choose a light meal to allow my digestion to breathe.
2. I drink a lot of water.
3. And I take a 30-minute walk to get everything going again.

"Bloating-Free Christmas" Checklist (keep handy)

Multivitamins
Electrolytes
Enzymes before dinner
Collagen in your coffee
Arrive WITHOUT hunger
Don't forget to walk or do core exercises.
Stay hydrated between drinks
Zero guilt

The reality is that you can enjoy the holiday season… without feeling bloated.
Your body isn't against you, it just needs a little help. And everything I share here… is exactly what I do. Not because I'm a coach! Because I'm a woman, just like you. You deserve to feel good, beautiful, light, and in control of your body, even during the holidays!