You’ve been working out steadily, avoiding junk foods, and passing on the sugary drinks. So why are you still feeling bloated? Even if you’re eating well, there are still some nutritional options that can trigger bloating and leave you feeling just as full and paunchy as if you’d had a burger and soda for lunch. If you’re ready to feel lighter, look leaner, and cut the gassy side effects (ugh!), then read ahead for a list of seemingly harmless foods that are making your tummy pop.
5 Foods That Are Making You Bloated
- Beans: Because beans and lentils are harder to digest (given their oligosaccharides, which are indigestible sugars, according to WebMD), they put a strain on your stomach and make you fill up.
- Certain Fruits & Veggies: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, prunes, and apricots all contain sugars and starches that can cause excessive bloating.
- Dairy: If you’re lactose intolerant, dairy products can easily cause bloating and distress to your intestinal track. Try avoiding cheese, milk, yogurt, and other dairy rich products if you find them painful to digest.
- Sweeteners: Sugar, artificial sweeteners, fructose – whatever you’re using, know that sweeteners are difficult for the body to digest. Try avoiding these whenever possible to rule out unnecessary bloating.
- Fiber: Adding fiber to your diet can be great. But abruptly increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can make it very difficult to get through your digestive system and will cause bloating and gas. Make sure to have plenty of water if you’re increasing your fiber intake to help it move through more easily.
Bonus: Carbonated Drinks – Even if you’re just drinking sparkling water and steering clear of the soft drinks, the carbonation in these beverages can make you feel full, bloated and gassy. These are great, refreshing options once in a while, but having them all the time will make you feel just as lousy as if you’d caved and had a treat. Try keeping them to an occasional choice, or at least to once a day, if you’re trying to look and feel leaner.
Of course, always check with a doctor and nutritionist to make sure you’re still eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. Cutting out certain foods may mean finding other alternatives for nutrition – which sometimes means calling in the experts for help.
