I used to be bloated all the time! Regardless of what I ate it seemed I was always not having a proper digestion. My stomach was distended. My waist much bigger than what I wanted. So, of course I felt frustrated because I was trying so hard to look and feel good. Ironically, I was always following a diet to lose weight.
WE ARE WHAT WE DIGEST
One of the key signs of a good physique and a healthy body is a small waist, a flat stomach, and of course good digestion. So, if you are feeling bloated, that means digestion is not good. You know? I have learned over the years that we are not so much what we eat as we are what we digest.
I see these people spending lots of money in Whole Foods, for example, buying expensive super foods and drinking tons of water and yet, they are inflamed after their meals! So, one thing to have clear first is that healthy food by itself won’t solve the problem of bloating. It goes beyond that.
So, I wanna share with you a few Ayurvedic Tips that will help with bloating specifically, but that will also improve your digestion, the core of your health, overall. So, by implementing these advices you can definitely see a boost in your energy levels, you will feel lighter, you will be able to sleep better, and have a clearer skin.
AYURVEDIC CONSTITUTION
First of all, we have to take into consideration our constitution. In Ayurveda there are three main body types (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and not all foods are digested the same way by all. That means that by knowing in depth your body type, you can make wiser decisions as to what foods are better digested by your own constitution and which ones are better to be avoided. In my website, you can find the free body type test and the free food list so you can start at least experimenting with those foods that are labeled as not a good option for you.
EAT MINDFULLY
First of all, I recommend to eat very mindfully. Take observations on what meals and foods make you feel light and with lots of energy. And which ones, on the contrary, make you feel lethargic, sluggish, bloated, and heavy.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t ever again eat those foods that you like but that you are supposed to stay away from. No! You can still eat them but occasionally, in moderation, and with the right preparation.
For example, broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage is a huge NO if you are Vata aggravated. Vata means you are already with lots of the wind element or air in your system. Since this element is one of the main qualities of these cruciferous vegetables, if you eat them you will most likely be suffering from lots of bloating. Specially if uncooked.
Pitta and Kapha constitutions will be able to digest them better if properly cooked. So, as you can see, it is the Vata constitution that suffers the most from bloating. However, remember even if you are Pitta or Kapha predominant, depending on your lifestyle, you can still suffer from Vata maladies like bloating or constipation. That’s why I recommend taking the quiz to figure out exactly what your dosha is.
COOKING AND PREPARATION
My second piece of advice is that once you know what foods agree better with you, then you need to consider how to cook them. The main goal is to diminish the Vata in your system. So, raw, uncooked things is not ideal. I see a lot of people who wanna become vegan/vegetarian/raw suffer from this problem a lot because yes, they are eating lots of healthy stuff but not properly cooked. Therefore they aggravate their Vata.
HEALTHY FATS
Fats are key! I would suggest to cook your meals with healthy fats like ghee, olive oil or avocado oil. I am not talking only about veggies. I am referring to cereals and legumes too. In particular legumes can be very Vata provoking. I would eat very rarely lentils, beans, and chickpeas if I am suffering from bloating. However, by adding some oil and a few spices to them, their bloating properties can be greatly diminished.
SPICING YOUR DISH
Also, don’t forget to add your spices! You may want to add ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, and hing to antidote the Vata qualities of some foods and render them more digestible. They will be easier to process and will taste much better. But in a healthier way, without the added chemicals and factory-made sauces, so common these days.
WARM WATER
Another tip is to not drink cold water with your meals! You know? You have a fire within you which is the one responsible for converting your food into the nutrients you need to live. Well, if you pour a glass of cold water when eating, like most people do, then, of course, your fire will be extinguished and your food will not be digested. I can’t tell you how many times waiters look at me like I’m crazy because I order water with no ice (I live in Florida lol). That’s because people have it with ice all the time, so it is very unusual to have it at room temperature. Now, I rather look weird than be bloated. That’s for sure.
FIRST BURP SIGNAL
Finally, overeating is a huge factor in bloating. I know it is difficult to stop when you are eating something nice and tasty but we gotta learn to follow our body signals. One of them is your first burp. Yes, your first burp! If you burp, then do your best to not eat after that point. That’s your body right there saying you had enough and you are not hungry anymore. Beyond that point will be harmful for your digestion.
So, there you have it. These are some things that you can start practicing to have a flat belly and feel comfortable in whatever you are wearing. I say this because when we have a flat belly we feel way more confident! Start today with just one change at a time! Slowly but surely.
I would love to hear back from you. Let me know how these tips work for you.
Lots of love and light! xx
Monica Gisella
