5 Foods to Eat When You Overeat

By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D., Nutrition Editor, EatingWell Magazine

It's all too easy to overdo it at Thanksgiving. Even for the most health- and diet-conscious, a little bit of this and a small bite of that can add up quickly. (Find out what the best and worst Thanksgiving foods are here.)

Perhaps more depressing is that loading up on calories forces our body into overdrive as it tries to undo the damage done by the harmful free radicals produced as we digest food. (Free radicals attack cells and can promote the development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.) And, of course, the more we eat the more free radicals we produce.

If you happen to overindulge, though, don't beat yourself up about it: the best way to handle a slip-up is to get back on track ASAP. (Try this 1,500-calorie post-Thanksgiving detox plan.) And even better news is that research suggests these 5 foods can help you rebound from the damage of a rich meal.

How do you get back on track after eating a big meal?

By Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D.

Brierley's interest in nutrition and food come together in her position as an associate editor at EatingWell. Brierley holds a master's degree in Nutrition Communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. A Registered Dietitian, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont.