I’ve always had a little pooch, even before it was technically a mom pooch. Was it extra weight? My genetic makeup? My posture? Bloating?
Regardless of my weight and workout routine, I considered my stomach my “problem area.” It’s what I tried to suck in and what I kept in mind when shopping for clothing. Granted, a six-pack wasn’t my goal in life, but I did dream of a smooth, less prominent belly.
My stomach was flattest in the morning, noticeable bigger by midday, and somewhat pregnant-looking by nighttime. And thus I determined that bloating was probably the culprit.
Did I go to my doctor for advice? Of course not. Not when I had the internet at my fingertips. In the wee hours of the morning, I googled “What causes bloating?” and then I read and read and read some more — forums and blog posts and general tips from real doctors. I made a mental note of all the things I should try and foods I should avoid.
And it seemed really overwhelming.
Was it beans? Dairy? Did I need gas relief capsules? Would post-meal yoga fix me? Should I drink more water? Was this a symptom of endometriosis?
For years I accepted that this was my lot in life. If I ate, which obviously I did multiple times throughout the day, I was destined to be a little “poochy” and a bit uncomfortable by the end of the day.
And then I did a "mental toughness" program called 75 Hard with a friend and started putting two and two together. I had control over this pesky symptom! I did not need to feel bloated every single day!
Funny that it took a random guy (Andy Frisella) and his program to practically dare me to get to the bottom of why I always felt bloated — but it did. And now, here I am, typing away at 10 p.m. at night, not feeling bloated one bit. Just a few months ago, I would have easily looked four months' pregnant about now.
I’ve learned about my body and how it reacts to food and movement. And thus, how to avoid the bloated feeling I thought would be a part of my every day for the rest of my life. Fair warning: Don’t take a bit of this as actual medical advice. I’m just a mom who wants to only look pregnant when she actually is.
I stopped eating so much food
I discovered that I’m a chronic overeater. Well, a recovering chronic overeater. I generally eat pretty healthy, but sadly I made it a habit of overindulging on just about everything. If I felt the twinge of fullness halfway through my salad, I wouldn’t stop. My plate wasn’t clean, salad is healthy… finish up, girl! Now, I’m listening to my body more, and ignoring that archaic rule about finishing everything on my plate.
I said no to three meals a day
Society has made us too regimented if you ask me. There is no reason to eat immediately upon waking, and then at noon, and then again at dinner time. I eat when I’m hungry, and I stop when I’m full. Sometimes that means I’ll have a late breakfast and early dinner and call it good. Sometimes I’ll have five or six mini meals throughout the day. Basically, I don’t eat just because my kids are eating or the clock strikes a certain time.
I do not demonize food
Food is fuel. A tool. Nothing about my recovery from bloated life has been about restricting certain food groups or calories. It’s about taking a tool (food) and learning how to use it best for my overall well-being.
I kept a food journal
When I finally did chat about bloating with my doctor, the first thing they asked me was whether I kept a food journal. Because, yes, certain foods can be triggers. And the culprit won’t be the same for everyone. I found that coffee was one of my biggest triggers, and you don’t usually see that on a list of foods that cause bloating.
I drink A LOT of water
Does water equal life? I kind of think so. 75 Hard makes you commit to drinking a gallon each day, and I’ve honestly never felt better. Being hydrated both healed my body and filled me up with something that didn’t contribute to that bloated feeling.
I sit down to eat
I definitely fall under the “on-the-go mom” category. That means I often eat meals standing, in the car, and while juggling my family’s plates. I’m working really hard to change that, because when I sit down to eat, I take smaller bites, chew my food better, and inhale less air. All things that aid my digestive system and tame bloating.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
