For years, I experience bloating on a daily basis and always just thought it was normal! For me, it was like clockwork…it happened pretty much at the same time everyday. It was the worst when I was working a desk job – I would eat lunch, get back to my desk…and within an hour I felt the need to unbutton my pants because the bloating was so uncomfortable. I also found myself experiencing extreme bloat anytime I would eat anything out of the ordinary or something that my body wasn’t necessarily used to consuming on a daily basis. So this meant going out to eat wasn’t as enjoyable, because I would dread the bloat (and TMI: sometimes constipation) that would follow!
A few years ago, I started incorporating some new products & practices into my daily routine and I slowly stopped seeing the bloat disrupt my daily life. After sticking to those practices & routines – today, I’m here to report that I am BLOAT FREE & very very rarely experience any type of bloating! My digestion is more regular than ever, most days I feel light & flat, and I can go out to eat without worry. Bloating is not normal y’all – and if you experience it, I feel you! That’s why today I’m sharing all of my de-bloating tips & tricks that have helped me live a bloat free life!
Tip 1: Strong Greens Every Morning
If I had to pick one product that I think is the *most* responsible for curing my bloating – it’s BPN Strong Greens! When I first starting taking Strong Greens…I’ll admit that I wasn’t taking it as consistently as I should have been. For this product to work it’s magic, you need to take it every morning & stay consistent! Once I committed to having it be part of my every day morning routine, that’s when I saw the changes. I’ve been taking Strong Greens every single day for the past 3.5 years and my digestion is healthier and regular than ever. Another testimony for y’all: my dad is in his 60’s and has battled digestive issues & bloating all his life. He started taking Strong Greens a year ago every single day, and he’s a changed man! (he’s also a picky eater and doesn’t even really love the taste – but he sucks it up because the benefits have been that good!) Strong Greens is packed with nutrients, minerals & vitamins that support an improved digestion system and gut health. It’s a clean formula, sweetened & flavored naturally. My favorite flavor is Pineapple Coconut – but it also comes in Lemon! I mix it with my Strong Reds (for extra antioxidants) first thing in the morning with cold water or homemade pressed juice. It has over 4,000 5 star reviews for a reason! Use code: STEFBARE for 10% off your BPN purchase!
Tip 2: Drink Water All Day Long
This is another HUGE one! And it’s definitely a hard one to get past at first, because yes – when you drink a lot of water, you tend to feel full and sometimes even bloating. But: if you stick with it & stay consistent with your daily water intake (I try to hit around a gallon each day) – it will actually have the reverse effect. Drink water and staying hydrated will help rid your body of excess sodium, which is generally a root cause of feeling bloated. Water retention (bloating) is the body’s way of holding onto fluid so it doesn’t dehydrate. Drinking lots of water signals to your body that it doesn’t need to hold onto every last drop to stay hydrated! I love this gallon water bottle with time stamps to keep me accountable all day with my water intake!
Tip 3: Take a Prebiotic
For me personally, my body doesn’t respond well to probiotics. When a friend reccommended taking a *pre*biotic – that’s when I saw my gut health change DRASTICALLY! She recommended Previlli, which I have been taking for about 5 months now. Not only has it helped with my digestion, it leaves my tummy feeling extra flat! Also, another added benefit: I truly think this has improved my skin in everyday possible! Very few breakouts, no more clogged pores, and my skin looks more hydrated and firm than ever. Your skin healthy directly correlates to your gut health, no joke!
Tip 4: Exercise Daily/Go For Walks
The only thing that would really help my bloating back in the day – was a good workout. I would sit at my desk in so much discomfort and countdown until I could head to the gym because I know it would make me feel better. Now, I try to incorporate short walks throughout my day, especially after eating…and I’ve noticed that it’s really helped with my post-meal bloat. The extra steps will help you in more way than one!
Tip 5: Take Magnesium Before Bed
Magnesium has sooo many benefits – but one of my favorite benefits is how it’s kept my #2 schedule like clockwork the following morning! Magnesium eases constipation & bloating by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal walls. I like taking it in the evenings so it works its magic while I’m sleeping, and when I wake up…it’s go time! (if you know what I mean, lol!) Here’s the magnesium I take each night!
Tip 6: Eat Enough Fiber, But Not Too Much
Eating more fiber helps prevent bloating! Most people don’t get enough fiber in their daily diet (including me somedays) – but I have found that when I do focus on fiber, food doesn’t make me bloat. Right now it’s recommended that women intake 25g of fiber per day. Try your best to get your fiber from real foods, and not supplements. My favorite fiber-packed foods are leafy greens, apples, berries, quinoa, sweet potatoes and chia seeds!
Tip 7: Start Your Day With A Smoothie
This has been a game-changing habit of mine! I used to always have oatmeal first the in the morning, and once I cut that out & replaced it with a nutrient & protein-packed smoothie…I found myself feeling fuller & satisfied longer, and experiencing zero bloat! It’s truly my secret weapon & favorite nutrition staple in my diet to keep me healthy, energized & regular! Here’s my favorite green smoothie recipe.