What to Kick to the Curb

In order to get the most out of your belly bloat battle, skipping the most common water-retention triggers are essential: salt, all packaged or processed foods, sugar, and alcohol. Its also encouraged to eliminate carbonated drinks, which only fill you with air and make you gassy and puffy.

Break- the- Fast

Try to drink water with lemon every day—and especially when trying to recover from a bloated tummy. It may feel crazy to drink a heap of water when you’re already feeling like a water balloon, but remember H20 pushes the extra fluid from your system—and that’s what’s making you look and feel so bloated. For breakfast have a protein-packed meal to help you feel satisfied through the day. Hard boiled eggs are perfect for on-the-go women, and sprinkling on some herbs like oregano adds flavor, a little fiber, and antioxidants—without extra calories or salt. Wash it down with some green tea to get in a little caffeine and antioxidants, plus green tea helps flush the extra fluid out of your body as well as speed up your metabolism. Its a Win-Win!

Morning Snack-Off

Though its best to steer clear of refined carbohydrates in general, it’s even more important when trying to get rid of extra water weight. That’s because starches—particularly the processed ones, like cereal, pasta, bread, and crackers—hold onto water. That means nuts and seeds should be your go-to snacks for a flat belly. Pecans are awesome because they’re loaded with belly-filling fiber and antioxidants. You can also flavor your water with pieces of fresh ginger since the root aids in digestion by helping move waste out of your system.

Lunch O’Clock

Steamed asparagus has certain compounds that act like probiotics, which keep your digestive system running smoothly so you can score a flat stomach. Protein-rich salmon is super satisfying and packed with omega 3’s, which have been linked to weight loss. On top of that, unlike many starches or gas producing veggies, lean protein doesn’t bloat you or make you gassy. Remember to kick salt and sugary marinades to the curb.

Afternoon Munchies

Between steamed artichoke’s fiber content and its tummy-calming abilities, this could be the ultimate snack when you’re feeling bloated. Artichokes are famous for soothing constipation, which can make your clothes feel super tight.

Deflating Dinner

Dandelion greens act as a diuretic, which helps your body continue to get rid of the excess fluid it’s holding onto. And some evidence shows that it can help your liver detoxify your body. Another dinnertime fave when trying to reduce the belly bulge is fennel. Eat the bulb of the celery-like plant raw or roasted with herbs and spices. This vegetable aids in digestion by ramping up the secretion of gastric acids in your belly. Those chemicals help to break down food as much as possible so that it doesn’t get stuck in your large intestine and cause gas and bloating. And don’t forget lean protein (like grilled or baked cod, grass-fed beef, or chicken) keeps you super satisfied and free of puffiness—so you can wake up feeling fit, fab and flat!