This summer, skip the bloat with 4 food swaps sure to help you maintain that smoking bikini body.
1. Ice cream vs. Fruit smoothie
Not only are dairy-based treats like ice cream loaded with carbs, but they contain lactose -- the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance can cause gas and bloating, resulting in a distended midsection.
Fruit smoothies are the way to go! But, we’re not talking your smoothie shop favorite. Dust off your blender and whip up something proven to soothe tummy troubles and aid digestion.
Give this a go:
You May Also Like
Ingredients
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
2 cups frozen raspberries
½ frozen banana
1 tablespoon fresh mint
1 teaspoon probiotics
1 cup ice
Directions
Combine ingredients in a blender. Finally, blend until smooth.
You might enjoy this article: 5 breakfast smoothies to shrink your belly!
2. Guacamole and Veggie Chips vs. Potato Chips and Dips
About 90 percent of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet, per the CDC. That includes greasy potato chips and tortilla chips. One cup of baked tortilla chips – much like the ones served at Mexican restaurants – accounts for 293 calories.
For a flatter belly skip the chips and dairy-based dips and try your luck with heart-healthy guacamole and veggie chips. Veggie chips (dependent upon brand) are packed with protein and fiber which aids in the digestion process. Meanwhile, guacamole is low in calories and a great source of monounsaturated fat and potassium.
Try this easy recipe:
Ingredients
1 large zucchini, cut into ½-inch cubes
1 large ripe avocado, cubed
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
½ teaspoon hot sauce
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Place zucchini in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on High until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Next, drain in a sieve, pressing lightly on the zucchini to extract any liquid. Then transfer zucchini to a large bowl; add avocado, cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice, hot sauce, and salt. Finally, mash until combined.
3. Hot dogs vs. Chicken and Fish
It’s no secret that processed meats are loaded with sodium. What causes bloat? Salt! Hot dogs, brats, and sausages may be quick and easy, but consuming them will also fast-track you to rocking an unsightly bloat baby. Instead, opt for natural meat like chicken and fish. Both options are lean, full of protein, and just as delicious wrapped in lettuce (so ditch the bun).
Next time you hit the grill, try this:
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 pounds whole chicken wings
1 tablespoon garlic powder
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup hot sauce
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon honey
Directions
Preheat a gas grill to medium heat (about 350 degrees). Then combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Next, toss wings in mixture to evenly coat. Place wings on the grill, crowding them together. Flip every 5 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes.
For the sauce, heat butter, hot sauce, vinegar, and honey in a saucepan over low heat and whisk. Toss cooked wings in the sauce. Then turn heat up on the grill to medium-high. Use tongs to remove wings from sauce and place back on the grill. Finally, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the skins are crispy.
4. Cheese and Crackers vs. Sliced Cucumber
Indulging in too much wheat and gluten -- whether in the form of crackers, hoagies, or dinner rolls – can cause serious bloat. As an alternative, cucumbers are well-known diuretics. Not only will you shed excess fluid but they contain an antioxidant called quercetin, which reduces swelling. The low-calorie snack is also packed with vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese, sure to aid in the cleansing process.
Check out this healthy option:
Ingredients
2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
1/3 cup cider or white vinegar
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Chopped fresh dill weed or parsley (optional)
Directions
Place cucumbers in small glass or plastic bowl. In tightly covered container, shake remaining ingredients except dill weed. Next, pour over cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to blend flavors. Then, drain cucumbers, sprinkle with dill weed, and store covered in refrigerator.
