There are some girls who were just born to wear a swimsuit. While everyone has an outfit that works best for them, I must admit that I envy the gals who aren’t sure what the word ‘bloated’ means and can rock a swimsuit as if they were created to do so. For the rest of us who have experienced a food baby or two.. or 360 days of the year… swim suits can be.. well.. kind of scary. I’ve been modeling for 12 years and, as you can imagine, nothing is more intimidating than shooting swimwear. I’ve tried all the de-bloating tricks and want to share with you what works! Here’s what I’ve learned about flattening your tummy.

 

Overview:

While we might not all be posing in a bikini for a photoshoot, we all have those events like a day at the beach, a big date, or wedding, where we want to be looking our best and not have any bloating or excess fat. A diet that is low sodium, low sugar, and high in healthy fats (enter avocado) is your new flat tummy go to. I know it sounds crazy to add fat to look slim, but healthy fats are easily digestible and will help soothe your system to limit bloating. I also recommend taking a Vitamin D supplement on the reg to keep your tummy consistently de-bloated!

Specifics:

There are a few things you’ll want to avoid before and on the big day. Avoid more than one serving of raw veggies, anything carbonated (sorry La Croix), legumes, dairy and broccoli, because they can all lead to bloating. Also, eating too quickly or chewing gum can cause air to be trapped in your system, so chew slowly and avoid gum to minimize bloating. Let’s start with dinner the night before, which is so important to looking your best the next day. If you can plan even further ahead, try and limit your sodium and sugar intake the week leading up to your day. Click here to watch the video!

Dinner the Night Before:

Sweet Potatoes on top of  Zucchini Noodles with Pistachios and Lemon Avocado Dressing (option to add 3oz. of grilled chicken)

For the Zoodles (zucchini noodles) you can spiralize them at home or buy them already made at most grocery stores. Simply sauté in a tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat for only 3 minutes. These guys cook quick! *bonus benefit: zucchini is a major chill veggie because it’s full of magnesium which relaxes the nervous system (aka the destress vegetable)*

To roast your sweet potatoes you will start by cubing your potato, spreading your cubes as far apart as possible (to ensure crispy edges) on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and drizzling with 2 tbs of olive oil. Next sprinkle with cinnamon, cumin and a little pink Himalayan sea salt. Avoid seasoning with onion or garlic as they cause bloating for many (not all! but many). Roast on 400 for 25 minutes. *bonus beauty benefit: sweet potatoes convert to vitamin A which repairs and smooths skin for an even complexion*

Lemon Avocado dressing is incredibly simple and should be tailored depending on your personal tastebuds! I like to toss 1 avocado, the juice of 2 lemons, a sprinkle of pink Himalayan sea salt and a tbs of olive oil in the food processor and blend until consistent and smooth. If you like a little more sweetness try adding a small handful of basil leaves. If you love cheese, try adding a tbs of nutritional yeast to curb your craving for dairy, it adds the same type of depth to a dish that comes with cheese. *bonus beauty benefit: avocado contains vitamin E for moisturized and glowing skin*

Breakfast the Morning of:

Low Sugar Apple Smoothie with lots of Greens, Green Apples, Lemon and Lime Juice and Maple Water

This simple smoothie is a beauty boosting powerhouse. Start the night before by cutting a green apple into 4 equal chunks and freeze in a baggie overnight with two handfuls of spinach or any other leafy green. The next morning combine 2 chunks (so 1/2 of a whole) apple, the frozen spinach, the juice of 1/2 a lime and 1/2 a lemon and 1 cup of maple water. (for optional plant based protein add a tsp of spirulina) Blend until smooth and enjoy the instant hydrating sensation as your body digests the electrolytes, enzymes and nourishing vitamins found in this beautifying smoothie.

Lunch the Day of:

Salmon, Blueberry, Spinach, Walnut Salad with Lemon Avocado Dressing

This salad can be thrown together in a snap while still delivering all the nutrients your body needs and keeping your tummy flat. Start by turning your oven onto the ‘broil’ setting on high and squeeze half a lemon over a raw 5 oz wild caught salmon fillet. Next, season your salmon with a sprinkle of turmeric, cumin and pink himilayan sea salt. Lay your salmon skin down on a foil lined cookie sheet and pop into the oven for 6 minutes. Once your timer goes off, check the center of the fish for a nice deep pink color, it should be opaque and not appear raw at all. Set aside and begin making your salad. Throw down 2 handfuls of spinach, a handful of blueberries and half a handful of walnut pieces. Grab the rest of last nights lemon avocado dressing and drizzle it over the salad. Place your perfectly cooked salmon filet on top and prepare to be de-bloated! *bonus benefit: every ingredient in this salad is also excellent for balancing hormones!*

Snack to Eat Throughout the Day:

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding contains 2 ingredients (3, if you add berries), takes minimal effort and gives lasting energy. Add 1/2 cup of chia seeds and 2 cups of maple water to a jar, shake and refrigerate for 30 minutes until chia seeds have completely absorbed the liquid and congealed to form a pudding consistency. If desired, stir in a dash of vanilla extract, cinnamon or tablespoon of nut butter (besides peanuts to avoid bloating). I highly recommend mixing in 1/2 a cup of blueberries and strawberries for a burst of vitamin C and bright flavor. *bonus beauty benefit: omega-3 fatty acids not only keep brain function in tip top shape, they also moisturize hair, skin and nails*

To Drink (besides lots and lots of water):

Herbal Tea with Collagen

On the day of a shoot I ditch my usual ginger kombucha and reach for hot tea mixed in a blender bottle with collagen. I like Yogi Peach Detox Tea and Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. This combo is great for calming nerves and helps suppress the desire to snack when I’m not even that hungry… (this is always an issue lol) *bonus beauty benefit: Collagen Peptides work as an anti-aging agent from the inside out PLUS deliver 20g of nourishing protein.*

 

Those are my tips on how to conquer your big day with the flattest tummy ever! (and a few planks the night before wouldn’t hurt either…) To watch my de-bloating video with more information, click here.