10 foods that can help you beat the belly bloat

Are you tired of feeling like a blowfish after you’ve eaten a meal? The good news is we’ve found 10 foods that can help you to beat the belly bloat! Hurrah!

4 reasons why you could be bloated

Bloating and gas are usually linked to what and how we eat. But there are some things that we can do and eat that may help.

1. Portion size

One of the most common causes of bloating is overeating. Managing your portion sizes can be a very effective way to decrease that uncomfortable bloating feeling directly after a meal.

2. Eating rich and fatty foods

Fatty foods generally take longer to digest than proteins or carbohydrates. While this means that they keep the stomach full for longer, it can also result in some discomfort while the fat is being digested by your body.

Fats play an important role in your diet, and you don’t want to exclude them altogether. The Healthy Mummy 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge meals are designed by nutritionists and include all food groups, including good fats and healthy versions of your favourite treats (even donuts).

3. Eating too fast

Eating too fast can result in bloating after a meal. Try decreasing that post meal discomfort by slowing down and sit down to eat your meal whenever you can.

4. Gas

The second most common cause of temporary bloating is from gas. According to medical experts, about half of the gas in the digestive system is swallowed air. The rest is produced by bacteria in the gut that helps to digest our food.

You can reduce the gas by not drinking through a straw, chewing gum and drinking carbonated beverages, as these can increase the amount of air that is swallowed.

10 foods to help you beat the bloat

According to several leading health experts, these foods are listed among the top 10 to help you reduce bloating.

1.Fennel seeds

Fennel seeds contain a compound that relaxes GI spasms, allowing gassy cramps to subside and giving you relief from the bloat. You can chew on seeds directly or sip on fennel tea.

Fennel seeds are also meant to be great for controlling bad breath. Good to know!

Try the Chai Spiced Smoothie Bowl from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge recipe hub.

2. Cayenne pepper

If you enjoy a bit of spice in your meal, then you may be interested in adding a little cayenne pepper to your next kitchen creation!

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper reduces gas and bloating because it increases the flow of digestive enzymes through your intestines.  Try the Cayenne Pepper Steak with Cucumber Salad from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Please note: avoid using if you have gastrointestinal ulcer or gastro-oesophageal reflux. Also, be sure to use cayenne pepper in small amounts, as large doses may cause pain and discomfort.

3. Ginger

Ginger contains a digestive enzyme called zingibain, which helps the body break down protein.

It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and works wonders on bloat. So, sipping on ginger tea before, during, or after a meal will help your body to stimulate saliva, bile, and gastric juices that aid in digestion. You can also easily add fresh or ground ginger to meals like stir fries and curry.

Try this Slow Cooked Taiwanese Chicken and Rice dish for a flavourful punch that’ll help beat the bloat.

4. Melons

Melons are a natural diuretic and can help to flush excess water and salt from your system as well as act as a natural electrolyte replacement. Melon makes a quick and easy snack and can be easily added to your smoothies or cereal.

5. Bananas

Bananas really are the most convenient fruit aren’t they?

They come in their own package and are the perfect option for a quick snack or smoothie booster. The facts; bananas have a high level of potassium, which is a go to nutrient for belly flattening! Potassium also helps to regulate your sodium (salt) intake. Win win!

Looking for a new way to include a banana in your diet? Check out this recipe for Healthy No Bake Choc Banana Fudge

6. Cider vinegar

Cider vinegar beats the bloat by keeping your gut bacteria healthy.