Beat the bloat and feel fabulous with these super foods!
You know the feeling – waistband at breaking point, uncomfortable stomach pain and odd gurgling. Yup – we’ve all been victims to the dreaded bloat, and at this time of year we’re more susceptible to it, what with the gallons of sherry and vats of mince pies we’ve scoffed. Oh – just us? Well, if you suffer from bloating then try swapping in a few of these stomach-flattening foods so you’re feeling de-puffed and full of beans in no time!
GINGER
Take it in tea or throw it in a curry – glorious ginger is renowned for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It aids digestion thanks to a super enzyme called zingibain, which breaks down protein and helps food to, erm, pass through the system a little easier. Bonus? It reduces bloat and gas, which is always nice.
BANANAS
Super easy and super-delicious. Peel one of these bloat-busting bad boys and its high levels of potassium will regulate your body’s sodium intake, and in turn flatten that tummy!
CELERY
It’s basically water, which means it helps to flush out excess liquids that cause bloat! Cucumber does the same thing – chop up a few crudités and you’re halfway there.
Time of the month causing your bloat? Read our tips on how to nix dreaded PMS monsters.
AVOCADO
Is there anything this wonder fruit cannot do? High in monounsaturated fat (that’s the good one), they will fill you up without filling you out. Mix into a guacamole with some lemon juice, chilli and coriander for a quick dip, or mash onto sourdough toast (also good for the gut, but go easy on the rounds).
FATTY FISH
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines are all versatile fishy options for a quick and healthy dinner that is filling but not bloating. As with avocados they’re packed with good fats – this time it’s the healthy omega-3 fatty acids that will help you out. They’re structural fats, not storage fats, which means they’re unlikely to be stored as excess rolls on your bod. Bonus.
ALMONDS
Almonds are a filling, easy snack that will fit in your handbag so you’re not caught short on snacking options when out and about. They’re still calorific, so a small handful is all you need, but their levels of vitamin E and protein will ensure you’re not hungry!
Almonds are a great handbag snack – we think this selection of Taylor & Jackson handbags would be the perfect vessel to store your healthy nibbles!
BERRIES
Choose berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries because they are super-high in water content (85-95% water) which, as we know, helps to decrease bloating. They add bulk to a meal like porridge or yogurt, which can get things moving in the bowel if things are a little sluggish, and their high fibre content is also a great mover and shaker.
And a few to avoid…
Now, we’re not saying never eat these yummy foods, because they certainly have their own benefits – but if you’re steering clear of the bloat then try to avoid broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, beans (obvs), fizzy drinks, onions and alcohol (sorry).
Bloated or not, we think you’d look fabulous in our game-changing push-up bra, Pearl, developed just for smaller-cupped sisters.
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Little Women creates beautiful lingerie for women with cup sizes AAA-B. We are specialists in lingerie for smaller cup sizes and have more than 25 years' experience. Take a look at what’s new here, or get in touch with the team today for more information.