according to
md anderson cancer center at the university of texas
, when your stomach expands, it can also push against your other organs and force them to secrete more hormones and enzymes to break the meal down, which also contributes to that uncomfortable feeling.
the long-term effects of eating too much
the longer-term effects of overeating can be more severe. calories are used for energy, but when we overeat, excess calories are stored as fat. over a long period of time, that stored fat turns in unwanted weight gain, putting us at risk for
a host of problems
such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke and different types of cancer.
overeating can also disrupt
sleep patterns
, take a toll on the digestive system and even
impair brain function.
preventing that uncomfortable too-full feeling
while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a great meal, there are ways to prevent yourself from overdoing it.
first, take your time while eating, this gives your brain time to catch up while you eat so you can feel that ‘okay, that’s enough’ feeling at an appropriate time.
try building some movement into the holiday as well so you aren’t sedentary for long stretches before and after meals. that could be a workout, a walk, or dancing in the house to some holiday music — getting your body moving can help burn those extra calories off in a productive way.
also, pay attention to how you fill your plate.
portion control is an essential part
of making sure you’re eating the right amount, and it will help you avoid eating too much.
studies
have shown that using smaller plates can also help with portion size. filling up on veggies and fruits and drinking water can also keep you from reaching for that extra slice of pie.
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