7 Ways to Beat Bloat

With the holidays slowly creeping up, we’re all feeling the tension — both with tight schedules and even tighter pants. If your chaotic calendar has derailed your heathy lifestyle, leaving you feeling bloated, our Corporate Dietitian, Jennifer Patzkowsky, has some nutrition tips that may help you feel back to normal in no time! Don’t worry, we won’t ask you to tell Grammy you can’t have a slice of her pecan pie because we all know that will break both of your hearts. So try these easy food swaps to help kick bloat to the curb.

Cause

While there are other causes (and you should contact your healthcare provider if you’re concerned), bloating is typically a result of gas that doesn’t pass through your body. It can build up in the stomach and intestines, which creates that uncomfortable, full feeling.

Eating fatty foods can slow digestion, which might be why you feel like your body has expanded two sizes. Other culprits of bloat are:

• Chewing gum or drinking through a straw, which result in swallowing air
• Carbonated beverages
• Smoking
• Stress and anxiety
• Consuming foods with high amounts of sodium

Resolve

There is no doubt that bloat leaves you feeling uncomfortable. Try tips suggested by WebMD to help make sliding into your favorite jeans easier:

• Cut back on carbonated beverages, instead drink water (six to eight glasses a day recommended).
• Aim for physical activity at least five times a week for 30 minutes or more.
• Slow down when eating your meals.
• Cut down on intake of sugar alcohols in artificially sweetened foods and drinks.
• Limit your sodium intake.
• Limit beans and gassy vegetables to small portions.
• Eat smaller meals more often.

Making these simple adjustments can help your body digest food more easily, which will cut down on the bloated feeling. However, if you experience chronic bloating, please consult your doctor.

We hope this will help make tackling the holiday season a little easier. How do you beat the bloat? Share your tips or recipes!