Salt
Obviously. Salt shaker, processed foods and salt based seasoning. Water is attracted to sodium, so when you take in higher than usual amounts, you’ll temporarily retain more fluid which contributes to the bloat and feeling tired.
Too many carbs
As a backup energy source, your muscles store a type of carbohydrate called glycogen. Every gram of glycogen is stored with about 3 grams of water. If you temporarily reduce your carb intake to temporarily train your body to access this stored fuel and burn it off. At the same time, you’ll get rid of the excess stored fluid.
Raw Veggies
This one surprised me. I was always under the impression that I should only eat raw veggies, but although a cup of raw veggies and a cup of cooked veggies have the same nutritional value, the raw veggies take up more room in your GI tract. As you’re trying to de-bloat this week, eat only cooked vegetables, smaller portions of unsweetened dried fruit, and canned fruits in natural juice. This will allow you to meet your nutrient needs without expanding your GI tract with extra volume.
Gassy Foods
Certain foods create gas in your GI tract, hence, the bloat to your body. Try avoiding legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions, peppers, and citrus fruits.
Gum
Believe it or not, you’re swallowing air. Air caused pressure, then bloat.
Sugar Alcohols
Sugar alcohols like xylitol or maltitol cause gas, abdominal distention, bloating, and diarrhea. Avoid them. Those sweeteners can be found in diet (eat this, NOT this) snacks.
Fried Foods
Fried and greasy foods are digested more slowly so you feel tired, slow and bloated.
Spices
Black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, Chili powder, hot sauces, onions, garlic, mustard, barbecue sauce, horseradish, ketchup, tomato sauce, or vinegar can all stimulate the release of stomach acid, which can cause irritation.
Soda
Again, the air bubbles end up in your belly and wham! bloat.
Acidic Drinks
Alcohol, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and acidic fruit juices: Each of these high-acid beverages can irritate your GI tract, causing swelling.
Surprisingly, that drink sounds really good to me! I think I’ll try it! The raw veggies surprised me as well. As did the spices! One time when I needed to lose weight (read the latest groundbreaking research) fast for a weigh in I ate nothing but canned green beans and lots of water and lost 6 lbs in one day! It all came back when I ate again, but I survived the weigh in!! LOL… I don’t do that anymore!
What are you supposed to eat?
Water and cooked veggies.
I’m actually drinking sassy water now! Delicious! :-)