If you feel like you want to go to bed after having a large meal, we totally get it. But if you suffer from heartburn, this habit might be worth breaking. When you are lying down, all the food you just ate pushes against the valve between your esophagus and stomach. It’s better to sit upright after meals and wait for at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed.
Drink a glass of warm or room-temperature water instead of coffee on an empty stomach. Choose oatmeal, bananas, or whole-grain toast with nut butter. Avoid greasy, spicy, or citrus-heavy foods first thing in the morning. A grilled chicken salad, brown rice with veggies, or lentil soup are gentler than heavy, fried meals. Stay seated or walk after eating, and avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours.
