Belly Bloating Busters

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Guest post: When we want to look our best for a special occasion we typically think, hair, make-up, a great outfit and some killer shoes. What we forget to add to the mix is being mindful of food intake. Eating the wrong foods before an event can sabotage your beauty plan. Certain foods can give your gut an instant bloat that looks and feels awful. Luckily there are belly bloating busters offered Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O.; Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine and anti-aging medicine. 

For a girl’s night out: Don’t be afraid to have a large meal beforehand. If you are planning for an active night, whether dancing, bowling or party hopping, you will need the fuel and protein is key. 

Dr. Calapai has created the perfect meal for a pre girls night out:

-      1 grilled chicken breast (approx 4 oz)

-      1/2 cup cooked brown rice and lentils

-      1 cup steamed string beans

This combo will fill you up without weighing you down, and will give you the energy you need to dance the night away!

For a dinner- date: Don't "just have a salad." All the vegetables in the salad will actually cause your stomach to bloat more. 

Dr. Calapai suggests ordering fish with one side of grilled vegetables. “Wild Salmon is jam-packed with heart healthy vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. If Salmon is not an option, mackerel, sea bass and lemon sole are all good options as well. As for the veggies, try to steer clear of cauliflower or broccoli which may cause bloating. Opt for grilled zucchini, asparagus, or carrots which will keep your tummy tamed!”

For a day at the beach: If you’re going to the beach you need a healthy, energizing meal to get you through the morning but you don’t want it to show in your stomach.  You’re probably thinking that the easiest thing to eat before you head out is some Special K with skim milk. It’s low in calories after all, right? It doesn’t matter how low-cal it is, the dairy and multi-grains will expand in your intestines, causing your gut to stick out. 

Instead of cereal, Dr. Calapai has a belly bloat busting recipe for oatmeal pancakes. Take 1/2 cup raw oats, 3 egg whites, 1/2 apple, and a dash of cinnamon and throw in a blender to create the pancake mix. This high fiber non-fat breakfast choice offers whole grain fiber plus additional fiber from the apple, and protein from the egg whites. It's a great filling way to start the day, and will not create any abdominal gas or bloating, so you can go bikini-bare with ease!

For an afternoon luncheon: Eating a well-balanced lunch is essential for boosting energy and productivity; giving you power over that mid-day slump and keeping your metabolism active. Oftentimes people want to skip lunch in hopes of losing weight and grab an energy drink to keep them going. This is so bad! The carbonation from an energy drink will make you more bloated then a light lunch. Dr. Calapai says, “For a mid-day luncheon, your best bet is a salad chock-full of fresh vegetables and greens, topped with a piece of grilled fish, low-fat tuna salad, or fresh turkey breast slices. Throw a few walnuts or almonds on top and dress with a low fat/low sugar dressing, to finish off your delicious salad creation!”

For traveling days: These days airports are getting bigger and so are the food courts. It’s tempting to give in to the convenience of fast travel food, but the combination of a high-sodium smorgasbord and air travel equals a very bloated body from head to toe. There are better options. Eat before you leave for the airport.  Dr. Calapai suggests packing your carry-on with fruits, vegetables, and granola bars. These bloat busting options are usually available at airport kiosks. Also, avoid the beverage service on board. Stick to water, you will have a happier flight and feel revived upon arriving at your destination!