6 Tips to Stop Food Babies

I am sick and tired of being bloated and I’ll have absolutely no more of it!

It’s Saturday night and you want to wear that dress. You know which dress I'm talking about. Yes, your favorite dress. The one that makes you look fabulous. One problem, though. You are planning to eat dinner with a friend beforehand. Not just pick at food. So what do you order?

Here’s a list of SIX tips to avoid bloating. Even though I love feeling like a pregnant whale after a huge entree at my favorite Mexican Place, that’s not the best choice when it comes to preventing a Food Baby.

1. Skip the Salt

Salt is found in literally all food. Whether it's at your favorite restaurant, as a fast food place, or in your own kitchen, food usually contains salt. The key is regulating salt, which is most easily to control when cooking at home. The good news, however, is that you can always look for reduced salt options in the grocery aisle or in a restaurant. Salt is an expert at bloating and trust me, you don't want excess salt before going out.

2. Do Not Chug Water

Please do not get confused by this header. Water is good. Staying hydrated is good. But the key is drinking a lot throughout they day, rather than waiting to chug water right before you head out, is preferred.

3. Don’t look at the fried food.

Including Fried Chicken, French Fries, and everything in between. Especially living in the South, we have the unfortunate (or maybe fortunate) circumstance of always being surrounded by fried food. If you are worried about bloating, skip the fried chicken and order it next time.

4. Skip Starchy Carbs, like Potatoes or Bread.

Mashed potatoes or a baked potato are extremely satisfying to eat, but on a special night I would opt for a healthier side.

At the same time, limit yourself on how much of that delicious bread you eat before your main meal. I know we all love Olive Garden's breadsticks (come on... they are warm and salty and comforting to bite into), but rethink going for seconds.

5. Do order that Salad

On the other hand, salads, especially those made with Iceberg Lettuce, are good options because they are so light and the abundance of greens leaves you feeling fresh. However, be wary of the fact that you will probably be hungry in a short amount of time. If you plan on eating a late night snack after your event, a salad is a fantastic option. Otherwise, be sure to add on some protein to satisfy your hunger for a longer period of time.

6. Brussel Sprouts, and anything green

I love vegetables, especially cooked vegetables! If eating a salad is too challenging, opt for vegetables that are cooked. With a little seasoning, these cooked vegetables can be just what you need before a big day.

Food babies are something we all experience. Sometimes, however, changing what we eat before we go a particular event can help us to avoid bloating and feel more confident about our self image.