Is your fridge stocked with healthy food and do you exercise regularly yet still feel frustrated by a bulging belly? Belly bloat can be embarrassing and frustrating especially for those people who love bathing suit and tank top weather. Belly bloat is not just a female problem, plenty of men experience it too.

PHOTO CREDIT - Christie Sharun

Edmonton - July 7, 2012 - Have you ever walked around sucking in your tummy all day? Or purposely worn baggy clothes to hide your belly bloat? Is your fridge stocked with healthy food and do you exercise regularly yet still feel frustrated by a bulging belly?

Belly bloat can be embarrassing and frustrating especially for those people who love bathing suit and tank top weather. Belly bloat is not just a female problem, plenty of men experience it too (they just don’t talk about it as freely or often as women do).

What is Belly Bloat?

The Wikipedia definition is any abnormal general swelling or increase in diameter of the abdominal area.

To win the war with belly bloat pay close attention to the following things:

1) Salt intake- Salt can make you retain water and can increase bloating. According to Toronto based nutritionist Victoria Orlewicz, “Over 80%” of our daily sodium intake does not come from the salt shaker, but rather from processed and packaged foods”. Try to avoid packaged foods while you are feeling bloated.

2) Water intake- The Institute of Medicine suggests that the average man requires 3 liters of fluid a day (13 cups) and the average woman requires about 2.2 liters (9 cups). The general rule of thumb of at least 8 glasses a day is easy to remember and close to the recommended intake. Fluid intake is dependent on many factors including your activity level, salt intake, the heat, and your health status.

3) Balanced diet- Avoid fatty foods, reduce your aspartame intake, and include higher fiber foods in your meals.

Here are 5 of my quick and easy solutions to help reduce summertime bloating.

1) Peppermint tea at night
2) Water with lemon throughout the day
3) Add avocado to your meals
4) Exercise after a meal. Go for a walk or run
5) Try smaller meals spread out during the day

Don’t get discouraged as ‘good posture’ will also help you rock your summer wear.