By FMT’s Lifestyle Desk

Having a bit of an issue with your big belly companion? Here are diet tips that’ll help you lose your spare tyre in no time:

Cut down on salt:
Too much salt in the diet contributes to edema (swelling due to water retention) and bloating. Stick to the recommended 1500mg of salt intake a day. Remove your salt shaker from your table, especially during meals, and limit the amount whilst cooking. Avoiding fast food and ready-made meals is also a must, as these are laden with salt.

Avoid digestive stress:
Stay away from foods that are difficult to digest, like sugary or fatty foods. Focus instead on simple meals which are made with whole foods and steamed vegetables that are friendly to the digestive system.

Focus on potassium-rich foods:
Sodium makes the body retain water, but potassium does the opposite, helping to flush away excess liquid. Eating potassium-rich foods like bananas and sweet potatoes can help minimize your waist size. But make sure to exercise right, as these foods can be fattening too.

Eat more fibre:
Eating a combination of soluble and insoluble fibre is an effective way to stay fit and avoid the bloated feeling that comes with constipation. Foods that are rich in fibre include oranges, mushrooms, raspberries, broccoli and cabbage.

Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water helps maintain the optimal level of sodium and potassium in your body, as well as ensures the flushing out of toxins and expulsion of waste through healthy bowel movements.

Ditch artificial sweeteners:
Found in flavoured water, “diet” drinks, low-carb meals and “sugar-free” foods, artificial sweeteners aren’t completely digested by body. Bacteria in the large intestine tend to ferment them, causing gas and bloating. Always check food labels to avoid sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and lacitol.

First published in the world’s premier meat-free lifestyle platform, www.KindMeal.my