Let’s face it. Some of the healthiest foods on the planet can cause some serious bloat. I’m looking at you, broccoli. Sorry lentils, I love you, but you aren’t doing my stomach any favors.
Now, I would never cut those healthy foods out of my diet just because they cause me to get bloated. I just am careful not to eat them before I’m going out on a date night with my hubby. Or any time I want to wear something that isn’t loose.
The good news is, just as there are foods that can cause bloating, there are also some foods that can fight the bloat. I stuffed a whole bunch of anti-bloating foods into a smoothie. Why? For those times when you need something to eat, but really don’t want a bloated stomach.
Saturday night Tim and I had a date night planned. Our dinner reservations were for 8 o-clock, which is a super late dinner for us. I knew my noon lunch wouldn’t be enough to sustain me until dinner time, so I made this Anti-Bloat Smoothie. It was filling enough to tide me over until dinner, and kept my stomach from getting the food baby look.
Let’s take a look at what’s inside this smoothie and why it won’t cause you to bloat.
Cucumbers: They are loaded with water, which helps fight bloating.
Banana: Bananas are high in potassium. Potassium helps regulate sodium levels, which prevents water retention. Too much sodium is a big cause of bloating, so that’s why bananas (and other foods high in potassium) help with bloating.
Coconut Water: Like bananas, coconut water is high in potassium.
Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory food as well as a digestive aid. It soothes the digestive system and relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract, which keeps you from getting bloated. You know I love my ginger. Take a look at that huge hunk of fresh ginger in the picture below. I eat one of those per week.
Apple Cider Vinegar: I list this one as optional in the smoothie recipe because the smoothie absolutely tastes better without it. Apple cider vinegar, however, is a rock star for reducing gas and bloating. So if you are super serious about reducing your bloat, add this to your smoothie.
The taste of this anti-bloating smoothie is fresh. I love the cucumber and ginger together, and the banana sweetens it up just enough. The coconut water flavor is subtle, not overpowering. I really don’t love coconut water on its own, but do love it in my smoothies. It’s filled with electrolytes, so it’s a great naturally hydrating beverage choice. If you choose to add the apple cider vinegar it muddles the flavor a bit, but is still good.
May your days be bloat-free, friends!
The Anti-Bloat Smoothie
Makes 1 large or 2 small smoothies
1/2 cup coconut water
1 banana
1 large cucumber, sliced
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
handful of ice
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until super smooth. Enjoy!
Hardcore Version: Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to the mix.
Source: happyhealthymama.com
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