There’s really nothing more annoying than belly bloating, especially when it attacked during swimsuit season (which, hello, is right around the corner.) Luckily, there are ways to combat excessive bloat just in time to slip into your two-piece.
1. Make sure it’s not a food intolerance
If your bloating seems like it might be abnormal, think about when it strikes. If it happens after you eat dairy, gluten or some other specific food type, it could just be your body’s way of indicating that something is wrong. An elimination diet could be the key to reducing your bloat dramatically.
2. Nix processed foods
If you have a week or so to prepare for your beach day, try eliminating all processed foods for the time being. No soda, chips, candy, etc. should make a big difference.
3. Hydrate!
Drink tons and tons of water – and when you think you’ve had enough, drink some more. This is the best to flush your system out – make it plain water with a bit of lemon or a few cucumber slices. Coconut water is also a great diuretic and will help with water retention.
4. Don’t chew gum
Chewing gum causes you to swallow air, which can make your belly bloat out dramatically. Stick to breath mints – but avoid anything with an artificial sweeteners.
5. Do a quick ab workout
One ab workout won’t make a difference in the long term but it can make it a bit or a temporary difference. Working those abs can temporarily tighten them up, giving them a less bloated appearance.
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