Eat to beat bloating
What you eat can leave you with a bulging belly but you can eat your way to a flatter stomach. Get diet tips to keep you looking your slimmest this summer.
Some things are better when they're puffy. Hair, for example, with intentional poof can be glamorous, and bread is its best when it rises. But the same can't be said of your stomach. A bloated belly can make you feel self-conscious in a bathing suit and can be downright uncomfortable, especially since it often has an unpleasant sidekick -- gas.
Make your summer more enjoyable by stopping bloating and flatulence before they start. The first step is to avoid any foods you know upset your digestive system. Check out this slide show for more dietary strategies that'll help keep bloating triggers at bay, so you look slim and feel confident and comfortable all season long.
1. Skimp on sugar-free gum and candy
Sugarless gums and candies can make your abdomen puff out. In part, that's because you swallow quite a bit of air -- it can get trapped in your belly -- when you enjoy them. They can also cause bloating, gas and diarrhea if they contain sugar alcohols, which are used as low-cal sugar substitutes. To prevent tummy troubles, cut back on items containing sugar alcohols, which have names like:
-Sorbitol
-Lactitol
-Xylitol
-Mannitol
TIP: Instead of sugar-free mints, freshen your breath with spices. Carry a stash of fennel or anise seeds (they're yummy) and chew on one or two after meals.
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