An event is coming up and you need to choose an outfit. Who dictates their outfit around how their bloating goes for the day? Or, who even completely never buys tighter fitting clothes because they know for sure they’ll look 6 months pregnant on the day?

THIS WAS ME.

I used to bloat and get intense pain and wind for about 6 years of my life.

Going to events was therefore risky, and 9/10 times I would experience this pain, which would also drain my energy and vibe and leave me feeling pretty frustrated, especially as I was always a healthy eater, I just couldn’t figure out what was going on and what was causing this! 

Fast forward to me today after years of research, various tests, seeing different doctors and trying new things, and I can now say, with the biggest feeling of gratitude and relief, that I can finally feel at ease when I go to events as I feel about 90% sure that my stomach won’t play up. I felt so comfortable and confident in this dress! 

I have finally found a solution for myself, and I know that many other women would relate and benefit from my journey, as I have put a lot of the practises in to place in my ebooks and meal plans and the results have been amazing among so many women!

Now, I’m not blessed with a totally flat stomach, so I’ll still never wear very grippy or tight clothes. But, the silk dress pictured in the photo is still semi-fitted and I can tell you now, I would never have worn that in the past as it would not have hidden the intense bloat! (Or perhaps it would but 90% of my energy would be on pulling gin my stomach with an uncomfortable amount of effort. 

So….

I want to share with you what I do in the lead up to and on the day of an event to keep my stomach happy.

1. I stay clear of my food sensitives (mainly gluten)

This is just a lifestyle rule for me now. No matter where I am, I stick to it diligently. 

For me, and so many others, gluten is the number 1 thing I avoid.

This tip therefore doesn’t apply to only just before and during an event – it’s ongoing and I encourage you to do this too.

So, I avoid the obvious like:

• Bread

• Crackers

• Crumbed or fried food

If I’m at a restaurant or an event, I also have absolutely no hesitation or embarrassment to ask the waiter if something is gluten free or not! I really hope you can do this too. It’s your body and you have every right to feel your best!

I also minimise dairy and avoid all other grains, just as it’s like in my 3 Week Body Reset!

2. I avoid vegetables that are highly gas producing!

The day before an event, I will try to consume vegetables that aren’t the most gas producing ones! Even though these are veggies that feature highly in my diet, I try to limit them the day before and the day of!

These are:

• Cauliflower

• Broccoli

• Brussel sprouts

• Cabbage

I opt for foods like:

• Zucchini

• String beans

• Cucumber

• Tomatoes

• Capsicum

• Leafy salad greens

• Low fructose containing fruits (berries are best!). As well as olives and avocado

• Meat, poultry, fish and eggs

• Nuts

• Healthy oils (olive, avocado, hemp and coconut)

To read more about the foods I opt for and the foods I avoid, please read this blog!

 If you have more of a FODMAP issue, definitely steer clear of those foods too!

 This actually all applies to the day of too! 

3. I eat a meal before I go!

I usually do this if it’s an event where it’s mainly picky food. This is because you don’t know whether they will cater to your dietary needs or not! I like to be safe and consume a meal just in case, so that I can pick at a little food if it’s appropriate, but if not – it’s all good!

Something like chicken and salad, some ricepaper rolls or a protein smoothie would be a standard for me.

4. I take a few things in my handbag just in case

I take some buscupan and de-gas in my bag (just in case). You can grab these from any chemist. Also, the herbal called Iberogast, which is also available at most chemists is scientifically proven to reduce gastric discomfort too!

I haven’t actually had to use these for so long! But, If you do choose to have a bite of something and you’re not 100% sure what’s in it, they can be a saviour! This just makes me feel calm, as I know that I have a simple solution to help if the bloating starts to come. But when I follow my rules I seem to be good now! Best feeling ever. 

5. Do de-stress / anti-anxiety activities before the event!

One of the most common causes of bloating is feeling anxious and stressed! It absolutely impacts your digestion and in turn, can lead to gas and all kinds of pain.

Try going for a long calming walk before, hitting the gym, listening to calming music, practicing deep breathing or anything else that helps YOU control your anxiety and stress levels and bring on a sense of calm.

6. Avoid bubbles!

Bubbles in the drinks mean bubbles in your stomach. If you’re extremely prone to bloating and have a hyper sensitive stomach, I would try your best to avoid the fizzy drinks! Perhaps stick to wine and water.

I really hope this helps you! You don’t have to live with that bloat, I promise.

And, if you are serious about making long term changes and finding a way of eating that helps you stay bloat free, my signature 3 Week Body Reset is a really great start as I keep gut health and IBS at the forefront of my focus! So many women are receiving amazing de-bloat effects too, it’s incredible and so rewarding to see!