Losing "holiday bloat"—the temporary feeling of heaviness and puffiness caused by excess sodium, sugar, and alcohol—typically takes between two to five days of consistent, healthy habits. Bloating is often the result of water retention; for every gram of extra carbohydrate or salt you consume, your body holds onto approximately three to four grams of water. To shed this weight quickly, the most effective strategy is to dramatically increase your water intake, which signals to your kidneys to flush out the excess sodium that is trapping fluid in your tissues. Incorporating light physical activity, such as a 30-minute walk, can also help stimulate the digestive system and encourage lymphatic drainage. Dietary adjustments, such as focusing on potassium-rich foods like bananas and leafy greens, can help balance electrolyte levels and reduce swelling. While you might feel significantly lighter within 48 hours, it may take nearly a week for your digestive tract to fully reset if you have been consuming highly processed or inflammatory foods. Consistency is key; by returning to a balanced diet and regular sleep schedule, most people find their "normal" baseline returns quite rapidly.