After the indulgent Christmas period, many Australians will find themselves suffering from the dreaded ‘festive bloat’.
Thankfully, there are a number of foods that can improve your digestive health, slim down your figure and rid your body of excess water.
The Healthy Mummy has listed a number of natural foods known for their ‘fat-blasting’ properties – including fennel seeds, ginger, kiwi fruit and celery.
After the indulgent Christmas period, many Australians will find themselves suffering from the dreaded ‘festive bloat’. Thankfully, there are a number of foods that can improve your digestive health, slim down your figure and rid your body of excess water
1. FENNEL SEEDS
Fennel seeds not only add a burst of flavour to any meal but they also have a compound that relaxes gastrointestinal tract spasms that helps relieve bloating.
According to Livestrong, the spice is ‘low in calories and rich in nutrients’ and is a ‘good addition to any low-calorie diet plan for weight loss’.
‘One tablespoon of fennel seeds has 20 calories, 1 gram of protein, 3 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fibre,’ they write.
‘It’s also a good source of iron and can up your intake of calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and many of the B-vitamins.’
Fennel seeds not only add a burst of flavour to any meal but they also have a compound that relaxes gastrointestinal tract spasms, helping to relieve bloating
2. GINGER
Ginger contains zingibain, a digestive enzyme that helps the body break down protein, as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help with bloating.
A ginger tea after a meal can help stimulate bile and gastric juices that help with digestion which in turn prevents bloating.
Various university studies have also found that ginger can prevent cardiovascular damage, help people feel fuller for longer and can stimulate the body to ‘speed digested food through the colon’.
Ginger contains zingibain, a digestive enzyme that helps the body break down protein, as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help with bloating
3. KIWI FRUIT
A common addition to smoothie bowls, this pretty fruit is extremely high in fibre and is great for detoxing the bowel.
According to Healthline, a study found 41 people who ate two golden kiwis per day had a 3.1cm reduction in waist circumference after 12 weeks and a reduction in blood pressure.
The fruit is also thought to help with cholesterol, overall gut health and a feeling of fullness.
4. PINEAPPLE
Pineapple is a summer favourite – but few are aware of the many health benefits it has on the body.
In addition to being high in Vitamin C and other antioxidants, it is also high in manganese, an an essential element for energy production.
Pineapples protect your cells from free radicals, help the body use key nutrients including thiamine and biotin and help synthesise fatty foods.
5. MELONS
A natural diuretic, melons are perfect for flushing excess water and salt from the body.
They also act as a natural electrolyte replacement to help with hydration.
Most melons, especially rockmelon, are great sources of fibre and help to keep the digestive tract healthy and as a result, helps with fat control as it keeps people fuller for longer.
They’re also a great way to satiate sugar cravings after a meal.
Most melons, especially rockmelon, are great sources of fibre and help to keep the digestive tract healthy and as a result, helps with fat control as it keeps people fuller for longer (pictured is influencer and model Gabrielle Epstein)
6. CELERY
While it’s not great on the flavour front, celery is great for lowering inflammation, healing the body, reducing bloating and lowering high blood pressure and has been touted by celebrities as a ‘must-try’ for glowing skin.
A detoxifying food, celery is said to help cleanse the liver which helps with weight loss and is thought to help the body fight infections by strengthening white blood cells.
Ali Webster, the Associate Director of Nutrition Communications at the International Food Information Council Foundation, told Men’s Health that a lot of these benefits are also largely due to celery being consumed alongside other health changes.
‘Health benefits are often multi-faceted. If a person has made the decision to start drinking celery juice, they’re probably making other changes as well, like eating better overall, going to the gym, or at the very least, starting to pay attention to what and how they eat,’ she said.
‘Celery is full of fibre, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for regularity, bone and heart health. And since celery is low in calories, it can be especially good for those trying to lose weight. But celery alone will not make you drop pounds fast.’
While it’s not great on the flavour front, celery is great for lowering inflammation, healing the body, reducing bloating and lowering high blood pressure and has been touted by celebrities as a ‘must-try’ for glowing skin (pictured is blogger Loni Jane with a juice containing celery)
7. YOGHURT
According to Australian Susie Burrell, Greek yoghurt is an excellent choice as it not only contains much less sugar than the average serve of store bought yoghurt but it is much higher in protein.
This helps to keep your blood glucose levels regulated throughout the day.
‘An added benefit will come if you choose a variety of Greek yoghurt which also contains probiotics, the live bacteria that will help to feed the good bacteria in the gut and is thought to have a powerful role in optimal immune functioning long term,’ she said.
‘Enjoy with some oats for breakfast, as a filling snack, as a light dessert option, add to smoothies and protein shakes or even as a dressing option with vegetables for a daily calcium boost.’