The other week, I noticed that in the course of seven days - only 7 - that I had somehow mysteriously gained six pounds of bloating. SIX POUNDS. Nothing had changed: I was eating my regular amounts of food, working out, lifting weights, not drinking alcohol, getting adequate sleep... and somehow... SIX POUNDS. Six Noticeable Pounds. Like, clothes were suddenly tight. Firm, taut arms looked puffy. Hello, my lovely perimenopausal hormones. What are y'all doing to me!? So I turned to my Bloating Toolkit that I'm sharing with you now. At 53, here are my three fail-proof strategies to get rid of bloating and bring my body back into homeostasis:
Apple Cider Vinegar in hot water, first thing in the morning, before coffee. First off, you usually wake up somewhat dehydrated, so it's never a bad thing to hydrate your body in the morning. Secondly, the acetic acid in ACV acts as a powerful probiotic, neutralizing the bad bacteria in your gut that give you that bloating in the first place.
This is something you need to do consistently to see results, and I know: getting over the taste can be a challenge, but I promise you: stick with it and you'll notice the difference.
2. I take a probiotic. I hope to save you the time, expense and frustration that I went through in my search for a probiotic that actually works. Most probiotics are useless because the bile in your stomach kills the bacteria off before the pill can make it to your intestines (where the bloating bacteria live). Those probiotics you buy at Costco? Just stop. You're better off opening the window and tossing your money out. I know. I've learned this the hard way. But: I’ve found a probiotic that I love: Akkermansia from Pendulum Health.
It’s a little on the pricey side but would you rather spend money on a probiotic that works or one that doesn't?! Akkermansia is unique because it not only contains GREAT bugs for your gut, it contains the nutrients to strengthen the lining of your gut (if you have leaky gut - and if you're bloating, you do), so it cuts down on bloating and puffiness. For what it's worth, this probiotic also increases GLP-1 production, which is linked to weight loss. Hello? if that's of interest to you, you'll agree that this probiotic is worth every penny as you will notice a marked decrease in your bloating (and your acid reflux!)
3. I intermittent fast. Y’all, we’ve been brainwashed by General Mills and Kelloggs that we need 3 meals a day and 2 snacks to survive. That’s just not true. When was the last time you actually listened to your body, and ate when you were truly hungry, not when you were craving things? Your body needs digestive rest to optimize its functionality. Intermittent fasting is a powerful tool to combat bloating, help you lose weight, get and stay energized and feel empowered. Are you new to intermittent fasting? There's a wealth of information on the Interwebs, but the most helpful guide I've found is the book fromDr Mindy Pelz’s, Fast Like A Girl.
She provides a step-by-step guide for women to successfully intermittent fast so you don’t get hungry, you don’t trigger cravings when you come off your fast, you aren’t lethargic, but you’re energized, losing weight, feeling less bloated and feeling more empowered. I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from this guide and I think you will, too.
So there you have it, these are my three strategies to combat bloating. In my case, I executed on all three strategies, and my six pounds disappeared after a 24-hour fast. And importantly: they've stayed off. Good luck, and let me know how this toolkit works for you! Juliana.
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