10 Foods That Are Making You Bloated

Don’t you hate it when this happens? You’re all set for a special day in your life: a romantic date, a job interview, or the hottest concert in town. Your brand-new outfit fits you perfectly, and your hair and nails are flawless. You look awesome, and you know it.

Then you wake up on the big day, and you’re bloated. You look five pounds heavier, your fabulous outfit is now too snug, and you feel sluggish and blah. Instantly, your big day goes from “wow” to “ugh.” Nothing can take the fun (or the romance) out of a special occasion like a bout of bloat. Luckily, here’s where a little prior planning can save the day.

Over the years, I’ve come up with a list of foods that are the biggest culprits when it comes to bloat. The day before a big event, I recommend avoiding all ten of them, no matter how tempted you are to cheat. Here they are:

• Beans (no surprise here, right?)
• Bubbly alcohol drinks (beer, champagne) and mixers (seltzer, sparkling water)
• Dairy foods
• Gluten-containing grains
• High-salt foods
• Artificial sweeteners
• Soft drinks
• Sugar/high-fructose corn syrup
• Sugar-loaded fruits (apples, pears)
• Very-high-fiber veggies (good for you, but go easy before special days)

Steer clear of these foods for at least 24 hours before a big day, and you’ll have a good shot at keeping bloat at bay. As a result, you’ll slide right into that outfit, look like a million bucks, and feel slim and beautiful—and your special day will be memorable for all the right reasons!

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci, a board-certified naturopathic physician and certified nutrition consultant, is a weight-loss and anti-aging expert. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Diet and the upcoming book The 10-Day Belly Slimdown. She also is the host of the PBS specials 21 Days to a Slimmer, Younger You and The 10-Day Belly Slimdown. In addition, she is a regular contributor on the Dr. Oz show.