Whether you are a beginner in diet and exercise or have been a long-time fitness fiend, we all know how difficult it is to get (and keep) that flat stomach or those abs that we work extra hard for. Getting bloated and feeling like a puffer fish doesn’t help at all either. The most frustrating part for me is waking up in the morning feeling great, but from the time I finish lunch until I go to bed, a food baby belly tends to stay.
So why do we puff up? Bloating is caused by the following:
Gas: Do you, like me, have a bit of lactose intolerance and forgot to tell your coffee barista to use soy milk?
Irregularity: Are you eating enough fiber and going to the bathroom several times daily?
Water Retention: Did you “accidentally” eat that whole bag of chips? Excessive salt intake causes water retention.
According to Women’s Health, the solution to beat the bloat may be much simpler than you think!
1. Bathe in salt. Epsom salt, to be exact. Soaking for 20 to 30 minutes will help pull the excess water and toxins from your body. However, don’t do this more than once a week! You don’t want to end up being cured bacon.
2. Exercise. Push and challenge yourself. When you sweat, water and toxins leave your body. Because of this, don’t forget to drink water! It’s still important to keep your body hydrated.
3. Intake more fiber. Stock up on fiber and magnesium-rich foods, such as whole grains, and try to decrease (or avoid) dairy and gluten. Sorry guys, but even though warmer weather is around the corner, you may have to avoid ice cream.
4. Drink tea. Water isn’t the only thing that will help flush your body of toxins. I’m sure you already know about the antioxidants and other health benefits of green tea.
With a few simple changes, we can all beat the bloat!
Feature image courtesy of selfcarers.com
