Fight the Bloated Belly so You Can Eat Without Guilt
By Donna Stark
The casual, fun atmosphere of summer can do a diet wrong, there’s no question about that. It’s just simply too hard to turn down those boardwalk fries and funnel cakes while on vacation. And even if you aren’t on vacation, have you smelled those barbeque ribs and homemade desserts? Nobody is perfect, and your diet shouldn’t be either. At least not all of the time. So don’t feel guilty about the occasional ice cream run; after all, it is about balance, right?
That being said, perhaps we should address one of the consequences of enjoying those moments of indulgence. The bloated belly.
Beat the Bloat
Sure, you can most definitely cut back on the alcohol and the carbs, but isn’t that what all of the summer indulgences are about? Instead, try incorporating some superfoods into your diet that will help with the ever-present belly bloat.
- Probiotics - There are thousands of friendly bacteria in your body that have a huge impact on your health. They help your body function optimally on a daily basis and provide protection against the harmful bacteria that tries to constantly settle in your body. From how you fight infections to how you handle stress, these friendly bacteria provide a backdrop to good health. And guess what? They also have a significant impact on bloating by helping your body digest foods efficiently.
- Fiber-rich foods - Fiber helps to keep things moving throughout your digestive tract which helps to prevent bloating. Look for foods rich in fiber to slowly incorporate into your diet, such as whole grains, beans, berries, and avocado.
- Water - When you’re feeling bloated, drinking water may seem like the last thing you want to do, but it does help prevent a bloated belly. If you are not drinking the proper amount of water, your body will end up retaining what’s in your system to prevent dehydration. Keeping a bottle of water by your side and drinking it throughout the day can actually reduce water retention. Don’t like drinking that much water all of the time? Then try to add foods with a high water content into your diet such as watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Potassium-rich foods - The more salt you consume at each meal, the more potassium-rich foods you should eat. Potassium works against sodium to help maintain proper fluid balance in your body. So choose foods such as asparagus, leafy greens, potatoes, salmon, and melon to help reduce that unwanted bloat.
Eat Without the Guilt
Remember, it’s all about balance for most of the things in your life and your diet is no exception. With intentional eating, it’s a lot easier to grab your loved one’s hand and head on over to the local ice cream shop. And while you’re there, go ahead and really indulge. Get that homemade waffle cone!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.