Just the word "bloat" conjures up hideous images of enormous cheeks and distended abdomens. Okay, I may have a tiny problem around this issue. But since I have been following this diet, my problem no longer includes excess water being retained in my cells! (Thank goodness!)
First, let's go over what CAUSES bloating. For us women, there is no denying the tendency to bloat right before and during the first days of menstruation. But it is the foods we eat that contribute even more to this problem. The culprits here are sugar, refined carbs, all grains and grain products, salt, and seasonings containing sodium like soy sauce and MSG. Another factor in water retention is not drinking enough water. Sounds somewhat counter-intuitive, but the body will tend to hang onto water when we neglect to drink enough.
In order to combat bloating, the first step is cutting out the refined carbs and grains, as well as cutting back on excess sodium. Go easy on salty foods like bacon, olives, cheeses, and condiments. Drink plenty of plain water, at least 3 liters per day. And emphasize the following foods in your diet:
Fresh (or frozen) vegetables like asparagus, celery, lettuce, parsley, artichokes, watercress, and most leafy greens are excellent diuretics. Fresh fruits like all types of melon, pears, apples, and tomatoes will also help your body release excess water. Eating enough lean protein will help your body combat the tendency to retain water.
Beverages like coffee, black and green teas, and many herbal teas are effective diuretics. There is no need to overdo the caffeinated beverages as decaf versions work just as well. But remember to also drink your plain old water. Yes, there is a lot of drinking involved!
And one more trick for excreting more water weight is heavily diluted, unsweetened cranberry juice. Make sure to purchase only unsweetened, 100% cranberry juice with no other juices added. Pour about 4 ounces into a large glass and fill with about 12 ounces of water. Drink once per day. The cranberry juice contains loads of antioxidants and vitamins. It has antibacterial properties which protect the bladder and urinary tract from infection. It is very sour, but I actually enjoy the taste. Apple cider vinegar can also be substituted, but only use about a teaspoon in a large glass of water.
If you are currently bloated, follow these steps for at least one week. But you should see results, such as weight loss, almost immediately. Let me know how it goes!
First, let's go over what CAUSES bloating. For us women, there is no denying the tendency to bloat right before and during the first days of menstruation. But it is the foods we eat that contribute even more to this problem. The culprits here are sugar, refined carbs, all grains and grain products, salt, and seasonings containing sodium like soy sauce and MSG. Another factor in water retention is not drinking enough water. Sounds somewhat counter-intuitive, but the body will tend to hang onto water when we neglect to drink enough.
In order to combat bloating, the first step is cutting out the refined carbs and grains, as well as cutting back on excess sodium. Go easy on salty foods like bacon, olives, cheeses, and condiments. Drink plenty of plain water, at least 3 liters per day. And emphasize the following foods in your diet:
Fresh (or frozen) vegetables like asparagus, celery, lettuce, parsley, artichokes, watercress, and most leafy greens are excellent diuretics. Fresh fruits like all types of melon, pears, apples, and tomatoes will also help your body release excess water. Eating enough lean protein will help your body combat the tendency to retain water.
Beverages like coffee, black and green teas, and many herbal teas are effective diuretics. There is no need to overdo the caffeinated beverages as decaf versions work just as well. But remember to also drink your plain old water. Yes, there is a lot of drinking involved!
And one more trick for excreting more water weight is heavily diluted, unsweetened cranberry juice. Make sure to purchase only unsweetened, 100% cranberry juice with no other juices added. Pour about 4 ounces into a large glass and fill with about 12 ounces of water. Drink once per day. The cranberry juice contains loads of antioxidants and vitamins. It has antibacterial properties which protect the bladder and urinary tract from infection. It is very sour, but I actually enjoy the taste. Apple cider vinegar can also be substituted, but only use about a teaspoon in a large glass of water.
If you are currently bloated, follow these steps for at least one week. But you should see results, such as weight loss, almost immediately. Let me know how it goes!
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