Is there a big night ahead? Is everyone going to be there? Will there be old friends and foes alike scrutinizing everyone else at the function?
Well, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are not too far away and there will be parties after parties to attend. Or maybe there's a hot date later in the day. Understandably, everyone wants to look their best on such evenings. Nice clothes, shiny shoes, accessories and cosmetics are sure to do wonders to one’s appearance. But if keeping the stomach flat is a concern, read on to learn some great tips during the day to prevent a bloated tummy in the evening.
Reduce Carbohydrate and Fatty Food Intake
Carbohydrates provide fuel for the body. But too many carbohydrates in the body can give the stomach a more rounded look! Cut down on carbohydrates drastically at lunch to keep the tummy trim when it’s time to make a big appearance in the evening. That means don’t eat too much rice, pasta, noodles or bread.
Fatty foods such as fried chicken, cheese and burger take longer to break down and will therefore stay in the stomach longer. So avoid these as well.
Opt for a chicken or tuna salad instead. Ideally, prepare it at home instead of buying one as salads sold at delis and restaurants are always loaded with fatty dressings as well as salt, which actually causes water retention and bloats up the stomach.
Avoid Fruits after a Meal
Fruits are good sources of vitamins and tasty but do have them before lunch, not after. Fruits often contain sugar which ferments and releases air in the gastrointestinal tract. The trapped air will bloat up the tummy.
Drink Plenty of Water
Don’t skip water in the hope of flattening the tummy. In fact, drinking at least eight glasses of water everyday is highly recommended, especially for those who regularly drink coffee, tea and alcohol. This is due to the fact that these beverages tend to dehydrate the body, which, as strange as it sounds, actually lead to fluid retention and bloating. So drink up throughout the day.
However, water should not be drunk during a meal. Try to drink plenty of water about 45 minutes before the meal. This is because water dilutes enzymes that break down food, causing food to be digested longer. Those who feel thirsty during a meal should just take a sip of water instead. Normal drinking patterns can continue after the meal.
Relax and Stretch
Stress can contribute to bloated tummies too. When a body is stressed, the level of digestive acids in the stomach drops. Again, that means food will need more time to be digested, causing the stomach to have that puffy look. So stop worrying. Try to relax and unwind with some gentle exercises such as stretching, taking a long walk, deep breathing and yoga. Half an hour of meditation may be useful too.
Prevent Air from Entering Body
If too much air is swallowed, the stomach will be swollen too! So do whatever it takes to cut down on air. Avoid smoking, drinking from a straw, talking while eating, sucking on hard candy, drinking carbonated beverages and wearing loose dentures as these activities increase the chances of swallowing air.
Banish Air from the Body
If the body is already bloated and you desperately need to get rid of it, some natural remedies may help. Peppermint tea, natural charcoal capsules and aniseed herbal tincture taken with hot water are effective in relieving bloated tummies.
Don’t starve yourself before the big night. Instead, try some sensible approaches. During the day, reducing carbohydrates and fatty foods, avoiding fruits after a meal, drinking lots of water but not just before lunch, relaxing as well as avoiding swallowing air can all help keep the stomach flat in the evening.
Related Article:
How to Avoid Overeating during Holiday Seasons
References:
“Don’t Have a Blow-out!” in New Woman. New South Wales: Emap Australia, April 2002.
Carol Ann Rinzler. Nutrition for Dummies. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing, 2006
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