If you are a fan of this blog then you might remember that last summer I lost 18 pounds in 8 weeks on the Dukan Diet. I learned SO much about health and nutrition, reading the book The Dukan Diet: 2 Steps to Lose the Weight, 2 Steps to Keep It Off Forever. It helped me learn what foods would help me lose weight and keep the weight off and which foods I should avoid all together.

I have done a pretty remarkable job (*pats self on back*) at staying around or under my target weight all winter, even though I did gain about 5 pounds over the holiday season… I’m still thinking about getting “bikini perfect” soon though because Lord knows I wouldn’t want to bare-all right now! Good gracious…

Did you know there are “good for you” foods that can actually make you look and feel fat?

We are excited to share with you these tips and tricks on how to avoid belly bloat from certified nutritionist Franci Cohen suggests these meals that will not give you a bulging belly.

For a girl’s night out: Don’t be afraid to have a large meal beforehand (large meaning more than just a PB&J). If you are planning for an active night, whether dancing, bowling or party hopping, you will need the fuel. Franci Cohen has created the perfect meal for this situation:

• 1 grilled chicken breast (approx 4 oz)
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice and lentils
• 1 cup steamed string beans

This combo will fill you up without weighing you down, and will give you the energy you need to dance the night away!
 
For a dinner- date: You’re wearing a stunning new BCBG dress that already had to be zipped up by your roommate. When you’re at the restaurant with your guy refrain from ordering a salad to make it look like you’re being healthy. All the veggies in the salad will actually cause your stomach to bloat more. Franci advises that a fish dish with one side of grilled veggies is the way to go! “Wild Salmon is jam-packed with heart healthy vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. If Salmon is not an option, mackerel, sea bass and lemon sole are all good options as well. As for the veggies, try to steer clear of cruciferous veggies (such as cauliflower, broccoli) that can cause bloating. Instead opt for grilled zucchini, asparagus, or carrots – which will keep your tummy tamed!”
 
For a day at the beach: It’s finally getting warm out and you can take that bathing suit out of hiding. If you’re going to the beach you need a healthy, energizing meal to get you through the morning but you don’t want it to show in your stomach.  You’re probably thinking that the easiest thing to eat before you head out is some Special K with skim milk. It’s low in calories after all, right? It doesn’t matter how low-cal it is, the dairy and multi-grains will expand in your intestines, causing your gut to stick out. Instead of cereal, Franci has an awesome recipe for oatmeal pancakes. Take 1/2 cup raw oats, 3 egg whites, 1/2 apple, and a dash of cinnamon and throw in a blender to create the pancake mix. This high fiber non-fat breakfast choice offers whole grain fiber plus additional fiber from the apple, and protein from the egg whites. It’s a great filling way to start the day, and will not create any abdominal gas or bloating, so you can go bikini-bare with ease!

For an afternoon luncheon: Eating a well-balanced lunch is essential for boosting energy and productivity; giving you power over that mid-day slump and keeping your metabolism active.  A lot of times people want to skip lunch in hopes of losing weight and grab an energy drink to keep them going. This is so bad! The carbonation from an energy drink will make you more bloated then a light lunch. Franci says, “For a mid-day luncheon, your best bet is a salad chock-full of fresh veggies and greens, and topped with a piece of grilled fish, low-fat tuna salad, or fresh turkey breast slices. Throw a few walnuts or almonds on top and dress with a low fat/low sugar dressing, to finish off your delicious salad creation!”

For traveling days: These days airports are getting bigger and so are the food courts. It’s tempting to give in to the convenience of fast travel food, but the combination of a high-sodium smorgasbord and air travel equals a very bloated body from head to toe. You absolutely must resist because there are better options. Eat before you leave for the airport.  Franci suggests packing your carry-on with fruits, veggies, and granola bars. Believe it or not these are available at kiosks. Also, avoid the beverage service on board. Stick to water, you will have a happier flight and feel revived upon arriving at your destination!

Above Tips From: Franci Cohen, Personal trainer, Certified Nutritionist & Exercise Physiologist

If you want to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle, I personally recommend trying The Dukan Diet. (See: The Dukan Diet: 2 Steps to Lose the Weight, 2 Steps to Keep It Off Forever) The high protein/low fat diet may not appeal to everyone though. If you don’t think the Dukan Diet is right for you, please check out Slimmer: The New Mediterranean Way to Lose Weight by Harry Papas.

About “Slimmer”…

Join the hundreds of thousands who are eating well and getting slimmer with the new Mediterranean diet book. Featuring delicious, fat-burning, easy-to-make Mediterranean diet recipes, a simple plan, and the psychological tools to stay slimmer, this international bestselling diet sensation takes the incredible flavors of the Mediterranean and adds new fat-burning ingredients that get amazing results.

Harry Papas, a certified dietitian in Greece, lost over 100 pounds by creating a revolutionary nutrition plan: a delicious, fat-burning Mediterranean diet coupled with the self-awareness he needed to combat the triggers that contributed to his weight gain.

You can learn more about the book on Amazon.com.

OUR LIBRARY

I have an enormous library full of excellent cook books and health books. Here are a few that I’m reading right now and would recommend that you check out if you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle and/or trying to lose weight…