The simple ingredients which will give you a healthy, happy belly

Tackling belly troubles, whether it’s excess fat or bloating after a heavy meal, can be an uncomfortable ride - but there are simple foods which can prevent your symptoms.

Although the bloat is usually alleviated after a few hours, it can cause us to feel lethargic and often goes hand in hand with gas and unwanted sound effects or flatulence (not the best experience ever, but one that we all know about).

Your body is a clever little thing, and it has its own ways of telling you when something is wrong.  Bloating, for example, is your guts way of demanding your attention and asking you to look after it.

If you’re always bloated or looking for ways you can flatten your belly then we’ve got some great news. Here are eight amazing foods you can eat to aid slimming, reduce the bloat, and generally give you a happier middle.  for a happy and healthy belly. It’s time to take control of your body and give it plenty of love! It’s time to reclaim your bloat-free belly.

1. Cucumber Tackles Bloating

 

Because cucumber is high in silica, sulphur, acid and vitamin C, it actively reduces swelling and aids in the prevention of water retention. and will help your stomach to debloat as well.

Cucumbers are mostly water, they help to flush toxins out of your system and help your kidneys to remove uric acid. Add one to your morning juice/smoothie or include a big of cucumber action in your salad teamed up with cracked black pepper and feta cheese.

Placing cucumber under your eyes to reduce puffiness is more than an old wives tales, then. 

 

2. Coconut Water Nourishes and Hydrates

 

Coconut water is, as far as we’re concerned, the water of the gods.  This all-natural, electrolyte-rich water is healing and nourishing for the whole body but can be used as an effective remedy to reduce bloating.

Had too much salt? Coconut water flushes the sodium out of the body, regulates the cleansing process and tops us up with electrolytes when we’re feeling dehydrated. We love to add it to our morning juice and consume as a drink between meals.

 

3. Lemon -  the Real Healer

Lemon is a naturally detoxifies and is a real healer. It’s fat and sodium free, low in calories and provides an excellent source of vitamin C. As a low-FODMAP food, lemon is recommended for all sorts of health benefits, but it’s particularly known for its digestive benefits and helps you to go to the toilet when nature calls.

Drink it with water first thing in the morning to get things moving or between meals to help your belly to debloat. We like to drink it with hot water and fresh ginger (another digestive powerade with strong anti-inflammatory properties).

 

4. Turmeric is a Super Strength Anti-Inflammatory

Oh, Turmeric - you are the cornerstone of Ayurveda medicine and a true powerhouse of a digestive aid. Known as ‘the golden spice’, turmeric provides anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe swollen bellies and add plenty of flavour power to any dish.

It’s antioxidant and antimicrobial nature protects the stomach lining to reduce the risk of gastric diseases.

If you can get your hands on fresh yellow turmeric (we visit the local Chinese supermarket for this) then it goes great with Apple Cider Vinegar, lemon juice, honey, black pepper and hot water for a natural anti-biotic ‘soupey’ drink. Failing that you can pick up ground turmeric from most supermarkets and add it to any curry or spice based dish for some extra va va voom.

Probiotic/natural yoghurt is a godsend when it comes to the little black book of belly comforts. Not only will it give you your daily dose of ‘good bacteria’ but it will help your belly to fight swelling and inflammation.

According to NHS Choices, “tummy friendly yoghurt’ provides so-called friendly bacteria that also occur naturally in the gut and have been linked to all sorts of digestive health benefits, including helping irritable bowel syndromes and travellers diarrhoea. Thank you yoghurt.

 

6. Peppermint - The Bloated Belly BFF

The cool, soothing and utterly refreshing taste of peppermint is your bloated bellies BFF. Because peppermint is antispasmodic, it calms down your entire digestive tract whilst providing relaxant qualities after a tough day.

Peppermint tea will stimulate your bladder to release the bile that your body uses to digest fats. As Drugs.com explains, menthol oil relieves spasms in muscle tissue, and peppermint tea achieves its bloating related benefits by relaxing your muscles and allowing you to release any pent-up gas or flatulence.

7. Celery

Crunchy celery acts as a natural diuretic: A super food that can help you to flush excess liquid, celery is naturally full of water which gets your system moving whilst providing an excellent source of vitamin K and molybdenum.

East celery when you’re retaining extra fluid and feeling generally puffed up! It's also great for women to have just before their menstrual cycle. We like to add our celery to any green juice worth its weight in gold, or as a key ingredient in tasty and nutritious vegetable broth.

8. Lo-Dough

Known to thousands as a perfect alternative to bread (yet can also replace pastry, pizza bases, crumbles and desserts and more) - Lo-Dough is nothing short of a godsend for those who are slimming or looking to reduce belly fat.

Too little fibre can often lead to bloating and there’s no better way to get your daily fibre fix than eating with Lo-Dough. Not only does Lo-Dough contain over 9g of fibre in just one piece, but it’s also incredibly low carb, gluten free and best yet it tastes just like soft white bread.

Lo-Dough enables you to eat pizzas’ kebabs, wraps, and toasties without the bloated feeling that can come with stodge and normal bread. It’s quite the bread and pastry revolution - and thousands of people have already made the switch.