Struggling to fit back into your jeans? You can lose inches off your abdomen (and even up to 7 pounds!) just by getting rid of excess fluid and gas. Ironically belly bloat can come from food that are supposed to have helped us lose weight and look thinner, like salads and carrot sticks. Read more to find out what foods can bulk up your waist.
Salt
Salt causes water retention not just around your tummy but even around your face (like the puffiness in your eyebags). Cut back on salt and any salt-based seasonings. Many processed foods like hotdogs and white bread also contain salt, so read the label.
Rice and pasta
Actually, any white carbs are loaded with glycogen, which also causes water retention. For every gram of carb you eat your body will lock in three grams of water. That’s one reason why many people see such a dramatic weight loss when they go on a low-carb diet. The body is forced to access stored carb reserves, which will then trigger it to get rid of the extra stored fluids too.
Your salad
Alas, the raw carrots and greens in your salad can be contributing to your belly bloat. That’s because it takes up more space in your stomach, which makes you feel full but can also cause you to feel (and look) like a cow digesting her cud. Try blanching or quickly steaming carrots so that you get the nutrients without the bloat, or alternating your salad with other low-fat meals like soups.
Gassy vegetables
Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, legumes, onions and pepper can all make you feel a bit bloated. Don’t cut them out completely from your diet, since they’re high in nutrients. But you can limit your serving to half a cup and fill up on vegetables that won’t make you feel bloated.
Sugar substitutes
While these sugar-free gums and pastries are good for your calorie count, they may not make you look slimmer after all. They’re hard for the body to digest so that they often cause bloating, gas and abdominal distention.
Stomach acid triggers
Certain foods can irritate the stomach and trigger stomach acid, which contributes to belly bloat. These include spicy foods, oily fried foods, and sodas. Other high-acid beverages are coffee, tea, and any citrus fruit juice. Again, take in moderation or skip them for a few days when you’re feeling particularly bloated. You can also try to use exercises that reduce belly bloat.
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