Belly Bloat, and How to Get Rid of It

Sookie | Sep 25, 2009 |

1 Comments | Rating: 1

Belly Bloat can be the cause of at least 5 pounds of extra weight.

So, if you have been struggling with the zipper of your jeans, and you stand on the scale and there is that last 5 pounds, then maybe try these 3 tips to get rid of it easily, before you try a crash weekend diet.

1. Drink lots of water, at least 8 glasses, with no artificial sweeteners or sugars or flavorings, just plain water. Also eat lots of fruits and vegetables as they contain water too, plus they will keep your digestive system moving along, which also helps with belly bloat. If your digestion slows down, then so does your belly, which can make you feel constipated and bloated.

If you can't keep track of the water, the best thing to do, is to find a water pitcher that will hold 8 cups of water, and fill it first thing in the morning and keep it in the fridge or nearby and make sure you have finished it all by the end of the day. Maybe, aim for a glass an hour and see how you do. Adding lemons to the water helps reduce bloating as well, but not sugar!

2. Get rid of the sweeteners, they do not digest well, which can be the cause of gas (and we all know what that can mean!) and belly bloat or that puffy feeling all over. So, wean yourself off those low calorie sweeteners and get used to the unsweetened version of foods and drinks.

3. Chewing gum, you swallow a lot of air from chewing gum, which will end up in your stomach, which will cause a distended bloated belly. If you just can't manage a day without chewing gum, then make sure to keep your mouth shut while chewing it to stop swallowing air. This also goes for eating meals. When your mother told you, not to talk with your mouth full, there was good reason for it. Not only is it unsightly, but you will draw air into your stomach, which can cause cramps, and belly bloating.

Even if you only try one of these tips, you will notice a difference. Personally, I found drinking more water made a big difference in how my clothes fit! But try all 3 tips and see if you don't notice your clothes fitting a little better and hopefully the scale dropping those last 5 pounds.