Ah, that post-meal bloating… You feel uncomfortable, digestion feels like hard work, and on top of that, it shows. So why does your meal leave your tummy feeling swollen? And what can you do about it? Several everyday habits could be behind that bloated belly. Here’s everything you need to know!
Your meal is bloating you because you’re stressed
Yes, stress is often mentioned as one of the very first culprits behind post-meal bloating! It can get in the way of a comfortable meal. And the habits that come with it can make things worse. For example, reaching for sweets or chewing gum to cope with stress is a habit worth keeping an eye on. The same goes for fizzy drinks: you swallow all their bubbles too. So take a breath and relax!
Your meal and the foods on your plate
Some people find that certain foods, like cabbage, kale, broccoli, apples and avocado, don’t suit them as well as others. If that’s the case for you, you can try eating them at the start of your meal and see how you feel; they’re all rich in fibre. You can also cook these vegetables well, depending on your preferences.
Your meal is bloating you because you ate too much
Simply overeating can explain that heavy, full-to-bursting feeling in your stomach. Large portions are often mentioned as one of the most common reasons for feeling bloated after a meal. A simple trick to cut down on portions: eat from smaller plates and don’t go back for seconds! It’s an easy habit that fits nicely into a balanced, varied lifestyle.
Your meal is bloating you because you forgot to chew
Stop wolfing down your meals. Take the time to enjoy what you’re eating! Eating too fast, just like drinking too fast, can lead you to swallow air along with your food. What’s more, chewing your food thoroughly lets you really savour every bite and turns each meal into a calmer, more mindful moment. So whatever the circumstances, slow down and chew properly.
Your meal is bloating you because you’re not drinking enough
It might seem surprising, but how much you drink throughout the day is also worth thinking about. If you feel you’re not drinking enough, it’s probably a good idea to have a little more water. Leave the fizzy drinks aside and opt for a large glass of water or a cup of one of these flavourful herbal teas.
Rethink your cup of tea right after eating
Tea is a comforting drink that many of us enjoy every day, that’s no secret! However, to enjoy it at your leisure, it’s often suggested that you drink it at least 1 hour before or after a meal. Tea contains tannins, which give it its slightly astringent taste and its colour. In practice, a cup enjoyed away from mealtimes becomes a real moment to pause and savour. Hot or iced, plain or flavoured, it’s also easy to match to your mood at any time of day. In short, tea has its place in your day, and you may prefer to wait an hour after eating before enjoying a cup, as a little break of its own.
Your meal is bloating you because you lay down for a nap
A short nap after lunch can feel wonderful, but many people find that lying down straight after eating leaves them feeling heavier and more bloated… not exactly pleasant! That’s why it’s often suggested not to lie down within the hour following a meal.
Rethink that piece of fruit at the end of your meal
When we’re still a little peckish after a meal, fruit seems like the perfect light option. However, some people prefer to enjoy fruit at a different time of day. On its own, fruit makes a quick, easy snack that’s ready in no time. So if you’d rather keep your meals simple, you can save it for later in the afternoon. And if you tend to notice a bloated stomach after meals, it’s one more habit you can try out and adjust. It’s really a matter of personal preference, so when in doubt, feel free to eat fruit away from main meals!
Start putting these tips into practice today and see which everyday habits feel right for you. And what about you, what are your go-to tricks? Come and share your best tips with the CelluBlue Community!
Why does my stomach bloat after every meal?
If your stomach bloats after every meal, and not just after a big one, take a look at what’s happening around the table. What frame of mind are you in when you eat? Do you take the time to chew? How much are you eating? What do you drink during and after your meal? What do you do straight afterwards? Jotting down these little details can help you spot the habits that crop up most often for you.
If the bloating happens often, comes with pain or worries you, have a chat with your GP.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my stomach bloat as soon as I eat?
Stress or eating too quickly can be to blame. Certain habits, such as fizzy drinks, chewing gum or overly large portions, can also play a part. Take the time to eat and chew properly, and choose a large glass of water over fizzy drinks.
Why does my stomach swell after eating?
Simply eating too much can explain that full, heavy feeling in your stomach. To cut down on portions, try eating from smaller plates and not going back for seconds, taking the time to enjoy what you’re eating.
Is it normal to have a bloated stomach after eating?
A slightly bloated stomach after a meal can be linked to certain habits, such as stress or a meal that was too big or eaten too quickly. However, if it happens often, is painful or worries you, speak to your GP.
Related articles
- Do starchy foods cause bloating?
- 3 good habits for caring for your stomach
- 8 foods that cause bloating
Useful categories: Slimming the Belly.
To go further, explore the Cellublue shop: our body care products.
-27%Your evening cuppa, ten dried botanicals
- Peppermint contributes to digestive function, and green anise helps support digestion
- Couch grass brings its gentle sweetness, hibiscus its tangy note and meadowsweet its floral touch
- Linden, for its part, adds a soft, floral note and aids digestion
