7 Ways To Reduce Bloating

If you're anything like me, the littlest things can make you suddenly look 5 months pregnant! This was a huge issue for me before I start my health and fitness journey. Here are 7 tips that worked for me, and a couple links to more ideas that worked for others.

Don’t skip working out

Your body NEEDS exercise. I use a hybrid schedule that gives me the right amount of cardio, weights and ab workouts. While doing workouts, I contract my stomach. According to Autumn Calabrese, I’m working my abs while protecting my back. Double bonus! But I don't stress about working out. A few days a week or the amount recommended by your doctor to ensure you're also being heart healthy.

Drink More Water

I know, you want to get rid of this bloated feeling and I’m telling you to drink more water! Yes, actually the best way to get rid of water in your body is to go to the bathroom and flushing your system with something healthy: water. Don’t chug it though, sip it throughout your workouts and make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.

Remove some dairy products

My oldest can only drink 2% milk and my youngest can only have lactose free. We now have Lactose Free 2% milk in our house. When I eat too much of anything that isn’t lactose free, I find my stomach getting bloated – especially with eating too much ice cream. Instead, try frozen yogurt or lactose free ice cream from Breyers.

Watch the salt and sugar

The directors of Mrs. Virginia warned us not to eat too much salt after the pageant because the winner was going to have a 7 a.m. photoshoot the next day and if she ate salt at dinner, magically her evening gown wouldn’t fit the next morning! I found this to be true with sugar. Too much of either and I remain bloated.

Drink my daily smoothie

Every morning, I drink an extremely healthy smoothie for breakfast. It basically cured my IBS problem and helps me stay regular. There’s tons of healthy stuff in my smoothies, like whey, pea, chia, quinoa, flax, kale, vitamins A, C and E, ashwagandha, amylase and more. If you’re not used to having these healthy foods in your body, you may feel bloated at first, just like if you suddenly started eating salad and veggies all of a sudden. Don’t worry though, it’ll get better after your body gets used to you being nice to it with healthy foods! If you want to know more about my smoothie, comment below!

Accept that hormones are going to interfere

Every month, my belly begins to bloat and that’s how I know my period is going to start. It never gets too big anymore because of the things I do above but it sticks out just enough for me to notice. If it’s a problem, I take some Midol and move on with my day. It’s all part of life and being a female.

And remember, you should ALWAYS talk to a doctor before changing your diet or beginning a workout program!