In today's world of social media, there's a lot of pressure to chase after "perfection" and the "ideal body" through diets, exercise, and debloating methods. We all know the way women look is A BUSINESS, making it a commercialized insecurity that we're all too familiar with.

Rather than pursuing quick fixes, let's step back and see what’s really going on. Bloating might be your body's way of gently suggesting that it's time to change our eating habits and nourish ourselves differently. Or to stop and ‘digest’ our emotions.

So, let's start by understanding what causes bloating in the first place... 

Many people think that eating too much leads to instant bloating, but the reality is a bit more complex. Bloating can happen when food is not ‘chewed’ down properly by the digestive enzymes, leaving bigger parts of food or certain food combos don’t allow for it, bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or when you have a leaky gut- so many reasons. It's often not even about the food, but about your ABILITY to digest.

So how do we get better digestion? Here's how you can meet your body's needs:

Foods to avoid.

	Crunchy foods. Limit your intake, or better, take a break from snacks like crackers, kale, and popcorn, as they can be difficult to digest and are dry and rough (think smooth and warm foods).
	No yogurt with fruit. Something we're used to eating together, but causes bloating. Consume yogurt and fruit separately to avoid stomach issues.
	Fizzy drinks. To avoid adding excess gas to your stomach, choose plain water or herbal teas over fizzy drinks. No ice! It cools down digestion.
	Coffee. I don't want to be a buzzkill, but coffee is often a common cause of digestive discomfort and bloating. Try reducing your intake.

Promoting healthy digestion.

	Morning bone broth. Adding bone broth to your morning routine is my number one tip. Bone broth contains collagen which helps heal the leaks in your gut.
	Ginger and lemon. This dynamic duo forms the perfect team to help stimulate digestion and ease the bloating sensation. Chop some ginger, add some salt and lemon. Eat before a meal to heat up digestion.
	Chew slowly. Take it slow and enjoy every bite to avoid swallowing excess air. Chewing carefully (around 20 times) helps your digestion and keeps bloating away.
	Avoid drinking while eating. Having water during meals can dilute your digestive enzymes and slow down digestion. Aim to have drinks between meals instead.
	Largest meal at lunch. Make your lunch the largest meal of the day. Eating a heavy dinner can often lead to bloating, especially if you go to bed soon after. No eating after 8PM.
	Digestive enzymes. Eat foods rich in digestive enzymes, such as pineapples and papayas. It's best to consume these fruits separately, as mixing them with other foods can lead to fermentation and gas production.

Emotional tips.

Remember, our mind and body are closely linked, or simply one. Bloating isn't always just about what we eat; it can also be influenced by our emotional state. Here are some emotional tips to consider:

• Take a moment to reflect on how well you digest your emotions. Do you take the time to process your feelings, or do you find distractions like your phone to avoid them?

• Slow down and enjoy your meals. Eating mindfully and without distractions can help reduce stress and improve digestion. 

• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to handle emotional stress and stress eating, which can affect your digestive health.

Remember, everyone's body is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the right approach for you. If bloating persists and becomes a persistent issue, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

 But above all, let's shift our perspective. Instead of pursuing an unrealistic "perfect" body, let's embrace the wisdom of our bodies, which are constantly sending us signals. Bloating is one of these signals, encouraging us to treat ourselves with care and make positive adjustments.