How To Keep Bloating Reduced At Mealtimes.

As a nutritional coach, people often come to me complaining of bloated bellies, lagging energy, and an overall malaise that can often be attributed to mealtime choices. 

What and how you eat can dramatically impact how you feel. Ever devoured a plate full of nachos, only to face-plant afterwards for a must-have lights-out nap?

What you eat, how you eat, and even what you think about while you eat can all play a large role in your digestion, and how you process food. Try to incorporate these five practices at every meal, and watch your energy grow (not your waistline).

Eat Good Ingredients

First off, start with the best ingredients you can. Shelly Malone, R.D. and author of Inflamed, says, “Foods heavy in pesticides or made with genetically-modified ingredients can damage the gut lining, which over time can lead to digestive upsets and other chronic issues.” 

Times When Your Bloating Has Nothing To Do With Weight Gain

Bloating—that uncomfortable tummy sensation where your abdomen inflates, making you look five months pregnant within five minutes—is generally thought of as The Worst. And while we've written plenty of articles telling you how to beat, banish, or otherwise subdue bloat, the thing is, not all bloating is bad. Sometimes it can be a side effect of healthy changes and sign you're doing things right.

We're not saying that bloating is ever comfortable or enjoyable, but it also doesn't necessarily mean that something is wrong. Sometimes bloat is just what our bodies do when digesting stuff and that's cool. So if you've been experiencing some bloating, put on your stretchy pants and read on.

(Note: If you've got a lot of bloat, or bloating that is painful, never goes away, or comes with other symptoms like constipation or diarrhea, then it's worth a chat with your doctor.)