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Beth Aldrich, mother
of three, is an Integrative Health and Nutrition Coach, writer
and public speaker, restoringessence.com.
She is the publisher and founder of, forherinformation.com,
the online magazine for women and is the host of the Seattle
and online radio show, A Balanced Life with Beth Aldrich. Her
favorite (occasional) treat is chocolate cream pie!
 For
the girl who loves to eat flavorful food but also wants to
look her best at the beach or around town, there are plenty
of healthy options out there. These ingredients can really
ramp up flavor without added calories or fat, and they’ll
help de-puff your midriff, to boot. The array of other health
benefits will surely tempt your appetite, too.
Peppermint helps with nausea because of its menthol,
but it also relaxed the intestines and keeps your stomach
from pooching. It’s easy to incorporate into your diet—just
try peppermint tea or, for a refreshing kick, dash some extract
into soups, salads and even baked goods.
Sea salt is a clean seasoning option that requires
less to obtain the same flavor as table salt-less salt intake
means less water retention and bloat. It’s also an excellent
source to balance blood sugar levels in the blood and is vital
for absorption of food particles through the intestinal tract.
Sprinkle sea salt on any food that you would ordinarily use
salt on, keeping in mind that a little goes a long way.
Ginger has long been touted to have the ability to
calm an upset stomach and to promote the healthy flow of bile.
It also supports a healthy cardiovascular system by making
platelets less sticky, which in turn reduces circulatory problems.
Grate fresh for cooking, take as a supplement on a daily basis,
or try as an extract to reduce inflammation. Quick tip: grated
ginger root mixed with diluted lime juice can help to soothe
the digestive tract and reduce gas and bloat.
Pineapple is juicy and sweet, but that’s not all.
It’s also got a compound called bromelain, a digestive proteolytic
enzyme that helps deter blood clot formation and enables you
to digest food efficiently (especially protein), giving your
tummy an instant toner. It’ll satisfy a sweet craving, while
being loaded with fiber, vitamin C, potassium and calcium.
Enjoy fresh cut slices alone or as a side to any meal.
Yogurt is packed with beneficial good bacteria—probiotics—which
keep you gas and bloat-free. Your body needs to have a healthy
amount of active, “good” bacteria for digestive
health, and to support your immune system. Yogurt is tasty
all by itself or mixed with granola and berries!
Parsley is a special herb that adds flavor to most
any meal. This natural diuretic keeps water retention at bay
and is easy to grow in any little corner of your garden or
in a flower pot. It contains calcium, B-complex vitamins,
and iron, all of which nourish the glands to help regulate
the intake of calcium. It is also a source of magnesium, calcium,
potassium, beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and K. Use it for
overall health and to soothe congestion, inflammation of the
kidneys and bladder, stones and urine retention. The best
way to consume parsley is in salads or in tea.
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