As an athlete, either at the start of your fitness journey or a regular on Strava’s leader boards, the post festive season and winter months can be a time for resolutions and introspection. January in particular has become synonymous with themed and fad diets, and a for a week or two gyms are busy.
Why are we susceptible to these fads? I’m not a doctor or dietician and I’m not your doctor or dietician, but common sense says keep things in moderation, diet and work-out sensibly – plan for the longer term.
If you feel that you need to restrict calories and increase exercise over the next few weeks, here are a few survival tips:
Hydration and minerals
Facial bloating is primarily caused by dehydration and lack of minerals. Dehydration affects the face simply because we retain water in the face more than anywhere else. A bloated face is a sign that you’re on your way to being dehydrated – your body holds onto water to preserve it. A high amount of sodium (unopposed sodium) in your body will make you look puffy – sodium needs potassium and magnesium to balance out.
Staying hydrated and consuming the right type of sodium such as Pink Himalayan Salt will solve this problem.
Fermented vegetables
Stomach bloating caused by something digestive is the result of gas or fluid accumulating in your gastrointestinal tract, or when your body has a hard time breaking-down certain foods. Short chain carbohydrates, or FODMAPs (fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) are occasionally the cause of digestive discomfort for some adults.
Cruciferous vegetables which are highly beneficial to gut flora can also trigger digestive distress.
If you’re committed to broccoli and cabbage this month, avoid eating them raw. Steaming or fermenting your veggies will keep your stomach in good health while maintaining all the minerals and benefits.
Fermented vegetables solve the problem of both facial and stomach bloating.
