Last minute advice and tips: 7 days
Good morning all!
So, I've been eating very well and excercising regularly. I'm not really asking about how to lose weight in a week, I think most of us are familiar with that question.
What I was wondering is if there are some of you who have made extra little efforts the week prior to a big event. I'm leaving for a trip in exactly one week from now, and it's a a big deal in terms of who I am meeting and how I would like to present myself.
I've seen article in Women's Health etc, about last minute measures that one can take to, for example, tone more, reduce bloat, etc. and was hoping some of you might be willing to share some of your own? I'm also very curious how people take care of themselves during really long flights. Although I drink a ton of water and try to reduce my sodium, I always walk off international flights feeling bloated and heavy.
Thanks so much for any help!
Happy Friday (7 days... dun, dun, dun)
I don't go crazy before a big event, but I do make an effort a few days before to eat much less salt, a bit less bread, and drink more water. Mint or ginger teas are really good for de-bloating, so in addition to drinking LOTS of water on a flight, maybe bring a mint tea bag along in your purse and opt for a cup of hot water when the beverage cart comes by. I've also heard its good to avoid innocent-seeming foods like broccoli which can puff your guts up. I find that a yogurt a day is also good for keeping the bloat away.
Long flights? Water water water - no booze - order a low cal meal and take healthy snacks with you. Sleep is key. Buy one of those U shaped pillows to help. Chap stick also keeps your lips hydrated. Soon as you can after the flight hop in the shower (works wonders). Some people also find taking 'beano' or a supplement to get rid of gas helps.
Good Luck!
A high protien diet for the week before will take some water weight off you. It will come back the minute you eat carbs though.
I have IBS so I frequently have to deal with bloating issues and I lLOVE the tip that elizaveta_joy gave! Both mint and ginger (and any teas with dandelion) are really good for digestion and cleansing. If I know that I'm going to be eating a 'trigger' food or if I'm feeling really bloated I'll also take 2 vegetarian charcoal capsules. You know how they used to use charcoal as an emetic and to absorb toxins (still do actually), well it also works really well in small doses to absorb excess gases and toxins. I buy mine at Whole Foods in the digestive section.
Good luck!
Thanks very much for the tips, especially the chapstick and charcoal advice. I'm actually in the process of undergoing some testing and ultrasounds for indigestion issues, so I'll take whatever I can get in terms of bloat reducing strategies!
I'm RUNNING to whole foods!
From duplicate thread:
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devilish_patsy
Jul 10 2009 09:07
Flying leaves me feeling bloated as well. All I can say is try to drink as much water as possible and try to get up and move around....I realize this is not always possible though.
Last week before an event...I would watch the carbs and be good to myself. Do something that will calm your mind and spirit.
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pamm915
Jul 10 2009 11:07
I was actually wondering the same thing since I am leaving in a week too. Don't we love vacations??? Anyway, I think fling just bloats some people. First time I flew a few years ago it was to cali (I live in NY) and I was so bloated and felt gross by the end of the flight. (I was going to a company meeting) So I asked a few of my co-workers and everyone I ask felt the same to varying degrees. Since then tips that I have used to help are:
Reduce sodium the week before.
Drink/eat as little as you can on the flight and/or bring Ur own low sodium non gassy snacks (ironically I find a kit kat bar and 2 twizzlers last me on my cali flights with significantly less bloat)
No soda! Or anything carbonated.
If they have (sometimes they do) drink a grapefuirt juice, its a natural diuretic.
Also on my cali flights I'm that annoying person that gets up and walks the isle 2-3 times during the flight. I don't know if it actually helps bloat but it does make me feel better.
Have fun and enjoy!!!!
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lynnmm1961
Jul 10 2009 11:12
I agree with Pam - reduce the sodium levels the week before. However I always feel better when I drink plenty of water on the flight - no juices, soda or alcohol. If you are getting meals on the flight, alot of times you can request special diet so go for low sodium or better yet just bring your own snacks that are low sodium. I also get up and walk around when I'm flying - after the meals are served (and the bathroom line up is done) is a good time to go and stand at the back of the plane and do a few stretches. I've had some nice chats with the flight attendants as that's usually when they get to take their breaks. I've even taken my book to the back and stood reading it while I did a few stretches as long as you aren't in the way they don't seem to mind.
Hey again!
I hope that those activated charcoal pills help. If you ever have any questions as far as frustration or troubles concerning digestion or IBS, please don't hesitate to e-mail me! I've been dealing with it for about 1.5 years now and I still feel awkward talking about those issues with people other than my best friends and family, so sometimes it's nice to have a neutral, pseudo-anonymous third party.
All the best!
