Bloating: A Woman’s Fashion Sense Enemy

Standing in front of your clothes closet and trying to figure out what to wear can be more challenging than most people admit when they feel bloated and uncomfortable. This is not unique to when we are moving through the energy of the moon phases or menstruation. It also happens if we are not regular with our eating habits or exercise routines. Most often we translate the bloating into feeling and looking fat despite the fact we may not be overweight. Such is completely exasperating when it comes to dressing or choosing what to wear.

While most of us know how to get rid of the extra flab, getting rid of that bloated look is a different matter all together. Occasional bloating can be the result of fluid or air retention. Chronic bloating, however, can be a red flag or a symptom of a serious disease. If you feel bloated occasionally or are frustrated because you just can’t wear those fitted dresses because of your bloated stomach, then here are few remedies that may come in handy.

• Avoid frequent intake of carbonated beverages and alcohol.
• While fiber is good for the body, excessive intake of fiber-rich foods like broccoli, cabbage, etc. can, in fact, lead to bloating.
• Practice good eating habits; i.e.. avoid overeating, gorging on spicy foods and talking while eating.
• Have 8-10 glasses of water every day. This may sound like a bad idea at the outset if you are suffering from water retention, but the fact is that the body tends to retain water when it fears it won’t get enough. If you keep yourself hydrated, your body will eventually get used to receiving the amount of water it requires and will stop hoarding it.
• Avoid excessive consumption of salt as well, as this also can lead to water retention.
• Gastritis is another cause of bloating. It is therefore important to avoid foods that lead to excessive gas formation. Eating small, nutritious meals at regular intervals to ensure you don’t go without food for prolonged periods is a good way to beat gastritis.
• Over-consumption of legumes can also lead to bloating, as they contain carbohydrates that are difficult for the body to digest. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid legumes completely; rather, you should eat them in moderation. And if you are feeling bloated, then you should give them a break for a few days.
• Regular exercise is an effective way to fight bloating as well. Exercise plays a huge role in preventing digestive problems, which can lead to bloating. You must also remember to keep yourself hydrated while exercising in order to prevent bloating.

Essentially, bloating can be treated in the same way as excessive weight—that is, just like weight loss plans, getting rid of a bloated appearance requires you to adopt healthy living habits. When formulating a plan to address the issue of bloating, keep in mind that the bloating doesn’t disappear overnight and that quick results are not always the best solution.

Think ahead. If you have functions coming up for which you want to look your best, then begin to adopt of few of these proactive solutions in advance to give your body the necessary time to adjust.

As you adjust your perspective and embrace a new fuel plan, you will begin to learn the language you body speaks and will be able to provide the necessary energy it needs to support the goals you are seeking to achieve with your physical wellness.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen