9 foods that will beat belly bloat in 2 days - Men's Fitness

Still feeling the effects of Friday night’s beer-and-pepperoni-pizza binge? Prioritize these foods and you’ll be back to normal in no time.

1. Asparagus

A longtime go-to food for bodybuilders looking to prepare for competition, asparagus is high in asparagine, an amino acid that has diuretic properties—meaning it helps you get rid of extra water.

Asparagus is also rich in fiber, which can help you stay full on fewer calories. Some of that fiber is in the form of inulin, a prebiotic that feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut. That boost for your digestion could be just what you need to reveal that six-pack that’s been hiding.

2. Fennel

Fennel, a flowering root vegetable related to carrots, has long been used in Italian and South Asian kitchens to help settle the stomach after a big meal. Fennel tastes like the love child of celery and black licorice, and contains a phytonutrient called anethole, which can help relax the intestines. (Rumor has it fennel also helps you get rid of any trapped gas in your digestive system, though we’ll leave that up to you guys to discover for yourselves.)

As for preparing fennel: Try roasting the bulb in the oven with some olive oil and pepper, like a potato—the fennel will become caramelized and almost sweet. You can also eat fennel bulb raw like celery or chew half a teaspoon of fennel seeds after a meal.

3. Cucumber and melon

Filling up on water-rich vegetables and low-fiber fruits is a great way to get rid of bloat quickly, says Natalie Rizzo, M.S., R.D. Too much fiber can make you gassy, so going for medium- or lower-fiber produce is your best bet. Whether it’s cucumber, cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon, these fruits are about 90% water, plus some fiber and antioxidants—perfect to keep you hydrated and prevent bloating.

Melon gets bonus points for being an excellent source of potassium, an electrolyte that counteracts some of the water retention caused by getting too much salt. Have a slice of melon instead of dessert for extra hydration for fewer calories. Try adding cucumber and melon chunks in your salad or in your water for some extra bloat-busting action.

4. Probiotic yogurt

A happy gut and flat abs mean the right balance of good bacteria in your digestive system. Boost the good bacteria—and crowd out the gas-and-bloat-causing bad—with probiotic yogurt. The lactose-busting bacteria in fermented dairy also makes it way easier to digest for anyone with lactose intolerance.

One note: All yogurt will contain some amount of healthy bacteria, but not necessarily enough to get the benefits you’re looking for. To know if your yogurt has enough of the good stuff, make sure it says “probiotic” or “live and active cultures” on the front of the container. Also: Make sure you’re getting plain yogurt, to avoid any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

5. Pineapple

This delicious tropical fruit packs lots of water and fiber, which will both help you flush out waste and stay regular. Pineapple is also rich in bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins. As a good source of the B vitamin thiamin, pineapple can play a role in energy production—all the more reason to hit the gym harder.

6. Dandelion greens

You’ll put away the weed-killer once you hear about the anti-bloat effects of dandelions. The ubiquitous weed is called “piscialletto” in Italian and “pis en lit” in French, which translates to “bed wetter.” Why the nickname? Dandelions are a natural diuretic, and help your body flush out excess water for a leaner look in just a couple of days. Rubber sheets are optional.

Before you go picking weeds in the nearest park, though, make sure they haven’t been sprayed. Your best bet: Hit up your farmer’s market and get some dandelion greens to add to your wraps, salads, and smoothies. You can also pick up dandelion tea or dandelion root “coffee” if you’re feeling bold.

7. Ginger

Ginger is nature’s digestive aid—so no wonder it’s found in many of the world’s spiciest cuisines. Ginger not only promotes healthy digestion but also relieves gas and bloating by giving your gut the signal to relax instead of contract. Add fresh or powdered ginger to your stir-fries, marinades, soups, and even your smoothies for a spicy (some would say fiery) kick that will help banish bloat.

8. Papaya

Papaya is packed with anti-inflammatory action along with papain, a protein-digesting enzyme. The tropical fruit is also rich in fiber to keep your digestive system moving. Try mixing a cup of papaya chunks in your yogurt with a squeeze of lime for a trip to the islands without a plane ticket. Papaya is also awesome mixed with cilantro, red onion, and some jalapenos for a killer salsa.

9. Kefir

Like probiotic yogurt, kefir can improve the overall health of your gut bacteria. A more liquid form of fermented milk, kefir has both a wider variety of bacteria and a higher concentration of bacteria compared to yogurt, with some kefir brands having 40 billion units of bacteria in a serving compared to 1 billion in probiotic yogurt. There isn’t as much research on the bloat-fighting benefits of kefir, but why not make like your financial investments and diversify? Kefir is worth working into your probiotic program. 

PS : The Source of this post is MensFitness - Article