Eat To Beat The Bloat! Foods That Fill You Up, Not Out

It is summertime and getting swimsuit-clad at the spur of the moment is always looming around the corner. Because of this, you may be hopping on the de-bloat wagon. Three words: we’re with you. That’s why we’re showing you which foods are best at beating the bloat. These picks will fill you up, without filling you out. Ain’t no use in starving yourself — eat clean to stay lean, instead! Here’s how:

 Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can be the enemy, or your best friend. For those of us who’ve been known to scoop our way through a single jar in a week, it’s dangerous. However, it can also be a diet-friendly snack. When eaten in moderation, “PB” packs essential nutrients that may actually help fight the bulge. For example, Niacin (also known as Vitamin B3) in peanut butter reduces bad cholesterol, increases good cholesterol, and helps our metabolisms move right along, meaning we digest food (and thus feel less bloated) faster. Two tablespoons of this creamy goodness at breakfast is enough to fill you up for the morning, without consuming a large amount of food. Grab a spoon!

SEE ALSO The Battle of the Nut Butters

Asparagus

These yummy green spears are more than just a summertime side dish — they’re also diuretics. Yum? It may sound nasty, but asparagus does a good job of flushing excess fluids out of the body, while still providing it with healthy nutrients and fiber. Other veggies with diuretic properties include cucumber and watercress. Looks like it’s time to get your green on.

SEE ALSO 10 Amazing Asparagus Recipes for Spring

Tea

Teas of the peppermint and green variety are widely touted as digestive system warriors. Peppermint tea contains menthol, which is known to to aid the function of the digestive tract, while green tea is another type of natural diuretic. Bottom line: these teas do the de-bloat trick. And they’re calorie-free…so, there’s that.

SEE ALSO Daily Bite Wellness Tip: Peppermint Tea Benefits

Yogurt

Yogurt is jam packed with active cultures and good bacteria (probiotics) that aid digestion, keeping you regular (if you know what we mean) and free of that too-full feeling we’re all too familiar with. Just make sure to avoid the sugar-packed commercial versions — those won’t do the trick. Rather, stick with plain, low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt or kefir. Feel free to add your own healthy toppings, like those pictured above.

SEE ALSO Wellness Wire: Good and Bad News About Greek Yogurt

Avocado

As if we needed one more reason to love this buttery fruit (yep, avo’s technically a fruit), it’s also packed with potassium that, much like asparagus and green tea, releases excess water from our bodies. Keep in mind that these creamy green guys are full of healthy fat, so you’ll want to keep consumption at about 1/4 to 1/2 of a whole avocado in order to keep its de-bloating benefits in check.

SEE ALSO Avocado The Great: 10 Avocado Snack Recipes

Try these foods in the next 24 hours to feel your best!

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What foods do you eat to beat the bloat?