Healthy Living

Saturday, November 28, 2009

5 foods that bloat your belly

As we head into the holidays (which in my house definitely starts with Halloween), I thought I'd impart some of my flat belly wisdom. I like to have fun and actually eat too, so I follow these rules to keep belly bloat at bay.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING:

SALT The reason you feel puffy after a salty meal? H2O is attracted to sodium, which can lead to temporary water retention. High quantities of sodium can show up in some unlikely sources, such as canned vegetable soup and cottage cheese, so check labels (and pass on the salt shaker). Test your portion control smarts.

EXCESS (AND REFINED) CARBS I'm talking about the white stuff--cookies, white bread, chips. Not only do they offer little nutritionally, but they also can cause water retention because when you overdo it, your body stockpiles carbohydrates as a quickly accessible source of fuel. Great for a marathon runner; unnecessary for the rest of us. Click here for loads of healthy carb ideas.

BULKY RAW FOODS
Eating large amount of raw veggies simply takes up more space in your GI tract, which can make you feel bloated. Don't skip veggies; try a small amount lightly steamed or snack on unsweetened dried fruits.

"GASSY" FOODS Veggies like onions, broccoli, and brussels sprouts are all ultra healthy, but they also create excess gas in your intestinal tract. If you want a flat belly for a big event, just skip 'em the day of. Jumpstart the Flat Belly Diet today and shrink your belly in 4 days.

GUM Chewing gum can make you swallow air, which then gets trapped in your belly, causing pressure, bloating, and gas. See real women who flattened their stomachs and look fantastic!

Lose 15 pounds in 32 days! Order the Flat Belly Diet book for the lowest online price now!


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[photo credit: Getty Images]


Want more from Liz? Check out Flat Belly Diet to slim your tummy. 

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 50
  • carolynw's Avatar
    Posted by carolynw Sun Nov 2, 2008 2:10pm PST

    I think I'll try this book.It sounds like it could work for me.

    Report Abuse
  • Mrs.Nick Jonas's Avatar
    Posted by Mrs.Nick Jonas Mon Nov 3, 2008 2:38am PST

    Ive always loved bread but.......Gooodbye to the bread!!!

    Report Abuse
  • cuddy's Avatar
    Posted by cuddy Mon Nov 3, 2008 5:54am PST

    I DIDN'T KNOW THAT GUM CHEWING CAUSE ONE TO FILL BLOATED & GASIE.THANKS FOR THAT INF

    Report Abuse
  • kristin's Avatar
    Posted by kristin Mon Nov 3, 2008 10:39am PST

    what have you said that we have not known for 20 years already?

    Report Abuse
  • Toma's Avatar
    Posted by Toma Thu Nov 13, 2008 10:41am PST

    ridiculous how vegetables make you bloated. They don't, sure if you stick few slices of ham, pie and candy on them!

    Report Abuse
  • Anne's Avatar
    Posted by Anne Thu Nov 13, 2008 10:50am PST

    Who wrote this idiocy? Certainly not a nutritionist, doctor, or anyone else with a host of dietary knowledge. Everything in moderation is understandable (Salt, refined Carbs) but raw foods? Oh, yet they do sometimes create gas...but really have we become so obsessed with "belly bloat" that healthy isn't a consideration? Come on - GET REAL.

    Report Abuse
  • Shiner's Avatar
    Posted by Shiner Thu Nov 13, 2008 10:54am PST

    The only thing that is not rediculous about this is the moderation comment on any of these things. Want a flat stomach, try eating in moderation and exercise. Grow up people.

    Report Abuse
  • rebekah m's Avatar
    Posted by rebekah m Thu Nov 13, 2008 11:12am PST

    I didn't even realize how close we are to the holidays! I decided to put up my tree early.

    Report Abuse
  • Mark K's Avatar
    Posted by Mark K Thu Nov 13, 2008 11:18am PST

    If you overfill your stomach with anything you will feel "bloated". But if you are at some party doing the nibble thing, vegetables are obviously better to fill up on!

    Report Abuse
  • OedipaMaas's Avatar
    Posted by OedipaMaas Thu Nov 13, 2008 11:28am PST

    Gee, more stuff we've known for years.

    Report Abuse
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