By Abra Pappa for Nutritious America
The lazy, hazy days of summer are here; long days at the beach, picnics in the park, outdoor BBQs, family, friends, and puffy bloated bellies. Yes. The most common thing I hear from clients in the hot humid weather is, “I feel bloated. Can you help my belly not stick out?”
Did you know that water accounts for 60% of a person’s weight? In the summer, or extreme heat conditions, our bodies adjust the amount of water we retain, i.e. we retain more water in the humidity. Ugh. Unfortunately, for many people this can mean bloated puffy stomachs, and even up to 4-5 pounds of extra bloating weight! Ah, the irony of it all, a puffy belly in the season that we most frequently show our belly.
If you are a summer belly bloat sufferer here are three fantastic foods to add to your diet to help combat that puff and help you feel trim and slim and bikini-strut worthy.
Celery – Rich in both potassium and sodium, celery contains the minerals most important for regulating fluid balance. This keeps us hydrated while it stimulates urine production, helping to rid the body of excess fluid. Chew on a few stalks of fresh celery at the first sign of intestinal madness.
Or try these recipes where celery is the star: Celery Mushroom Salad or Red Apple Coleslaw
Asparagus – A well-known diuretic, asparagus has a long history of supporting those with digestive problems. Asparagus is no stranger to the gastrointestinal tract as it encourages the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut. It also contains a good amount of insoluble fiber to keep things moving through the system properly. Steam a bunch and drizzle with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Bye bye belly bloat.
Try these super simple asparagus soups for a quick bloat fix: Vegan Asparagus Soup or Chilled Asparagus Soup with Lemon Pesto
Parsley – The world’s most popular herb is a fantastic diuretic and is also the most detoxifying due to the compound apoil. Parsley is fantastic for cleaning out the kidneys and is even used in the treatment of kidney stones. Use parsley generously in any dish you please, or the best strategy is to chew on some during really hot humid days to help with the bloat. Added side effect: great breath!
Try this Mediterranean Parsley Salad Recipe (note if you are gluten free simply replace the bulgur wheat with quinoa) or Parlsey Hummus