You know the excited feeling when you are preparing for a night out or a big event. Whether you’re going for a night on the town, seeing old friends, or going on a big date you want to look your best. Instead of depriving yourself of nutritious foods, its important to educate yourself and find out the right things that will keep you energized, feeling your best, and most importantly, not feeling bloated. There are lots of seemingly healthy foods can make you feel sluggish. Here are some tips and ideas to keep you feeling slim and confident before stepping out to any event.
Avoid tofu stirfrys. You may think you are being healthy by eating a vegetarian meal at an Asian restaurant, but that highly processed, GMO soy in the form of tofu has a high potential of bloating you out. Full of trypsinogen-inhibitors, soy also is associated with slowing down thyroid function. It is one of the most mucus-forming foods, so it is difficult do digest and again, bloating! Stay away from soy milk as well. It is soaked, boiled, pressed and ground in a multi-step process to create that processed white-colored fluid full of estrogen-mimicers. You can get a stirfry, but stick to an all-veggie one instead, with a little brown rice, and have a salad first. For milk, almond or hemp please.
Well, speaking of mucus-forming foods we are obligated to talk about dairy now. Many people turn to dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese and non-fat milk as a seemingly healthy option. This is not the case. Dairy causes congestion, which can lead to bloating and definitely feeling tired and sluggish. It’s simply very difficult for the body to digest and wastes a ton of Beauty Energy. Even if you are not lactose intolerant or sensitive, dairy contains a protein called casein that is next to impossible for humans to digest. I suggest avoiding it altogether, especially before a big event. If you are interested in the ironies of how areas in the world that consume the most dairy have the most osteoporosis (hint: it has to do with how acid-forming dairy is in the body), check out Chapter 5 of The Beauty Detox Solution. Try the So Delicious brand of coconut yogurt if you are jonesing for yogurt.
Another food to avoid when trying to limit the bloat is beans. Beans are acid-forming, and of course, they’re known to cause gas. Though they are high in protein, but they are also high in complex carbs, including raffinose oligosaccharides, to be technical. Foods that are high in both protein and carbs are what I call Nature’s “Oops” Foods, as they are inevitably difficult to digest, and make for a poor Beauty Food Pairing meal- with just one food! They will make you feel heavy before going out, which does not inspire feeling attractive or sexy. Try Dharma’s Kale Salad with avocado or a millet-bread avocado sandwich, or a quinoa dish instead.
Avoid canned soup and frozen meals. The main reason is because they are full of horrible chemicals and preservatives. Also, they are filled with ridiculous amounts of salt that will leave you feeling bloated and lethargic. Though you can find “healthy” or “organic” frozen meals that are low calorie, they are not beneficial to your health. You are much better off eating a simple home-made vegetable dish with a nice green salad, and maybe some grains or tempeh. Oh, and if you microwave your frozen meal, you might as well eat the cardboard box it came in instead, for you will have zapped out an miniscule remaining nutrients to be had.
Though I’ve been harping on it a lot lately, I can’t help myself. I have to include soda yet again, which is probably the worst thing you can put into your body (okay in my top 3). It’s absolute empty calories, and filled with sugar. All sodas are highly acidic! The sugar will give you a brief rush, then leave you feeling extremely bloated and tired. Not to mention, the carbonation may not be quickly moved out of the stomach, causing bloat. Get used to drinking iced herbal tea with stevia or xilitol. It’s much better for you, and just as refreshing. Water with lemon is always the best choice.
Now, diet soda is included because not only does it have all the horrible side effects of soda, it has fake sweeteners that are filled with chemicals. These days, people are so concerned with diet and calories, that artificial sweeteners are becoming more and more common which include Splenda, Equal and Sweet ‘n Low (I always associate those scary pink packet with my poor grandma, who passed away at the young age of 64. She went through boxes of that crap). These sugar substitutes have a number of health issues, and are even linked to certain cancers. So remember, watch out for those zero calorie “energy” drinks and “vitamin” drinks. They may claim to give you energy and vitamins, but they are acid-forming, leading to bloating. You are much better off drinking water with lemon, then satisfying your sweet tooth with fresh berries or a Glowing Green Smoothie. The natural fruits and veggies are much more easily digested, and will give you a longer lasting energy than the artificial sources.
These are just a few food, drinks and ingredients that might be causing you to feel bloated and unhealthy. There are so many things out there that are marketed to be healthy and organic but really are filled with chemicals and salt. Stick close to nature, and natural forms of foods for energy!
Now that we can’t eat fruit for dessert, any recommendations for a light sweet to eat AFTER a carb based dinner? I always get a sweet craving after a carb dinner and need something to short circuit a possible sugar binge! I’ve tried dark chocolate candy but it’s hard to stop at one square. This is the hardest part of your plan for me…I’ve had several bad sugar binge nights 🙁 Some of the book recipes are mostly nut based and too heavy for right after dinner. I also eat a probiotic salad every day at lunch to help with my cravings 🙂
Last night I caved and ate a banana ….bad beauty pair but it worked like a charm to stop the binge. Any recommendations? Thanks!!!
Hi Jen, a banana, which is a starchy fruit with little water, isn’t a bad option! Berries or watermelon on the other hand, would be abysmal. Wait at least 30 minutes or so after dinner, then you can have that if it helps you occasionally.
🙂
There are lots of different desserts that you could try out. Keep in mind that young thai coconuts and avocados go well with carbs, be inventive and creative. One of my favourite dessert (sugar-free) is avo-cho-carob pudding sweeten with nu-natural stevia (this is the best brand of stevia since it leaves no bitter after-taste). Simply mix in a food processor some carob or cocoa powder (or both) with some stevia and half an avocado and you havea yummy easy to digest chocolate mousse. You substitute the avocado for some young thai coconut meat if you prefer. Give this a try and do not feel guilty if you have some organic high quality dark chocolate every night. If that helps you at first….Some people have been extremely successful at doing so. If you cannot tolerate chocolate then opt for carob instead (it’s caffeine free). Good luck!
Hi Kim! How do you feel about Truvia? It says it is made from erythritol and rebiana. Many thanks!
I always recommend pure stevia brands. Truvia is owned by either Coke or Pepsi I believe, and may be more processed. If you look at WF or the local health mart, you should be able to find just stevia!
HI!! Again, thank you for the wonderful, informative post.
The information about soy is very interesting, especially. What are your opinions on non-GMO, and Organic soy? For instance, (I’m a Korean) my mom used to make soups with soybean curds (after making tofu) and currently I’m in love with Tempeh. I was wondering what your opinions were on that.
In addition, I have difficulty understanding the whole ‘food combining’ concept. I’ve actually tried it before, but I always felt “unsatisfied” after the meal. Do you talk more about it in the book? I unfortunately haven’t been able to get your book at where I live yet 🙁
oh, btw I actually ended up getting your E-Book just now. (I just couldn’t wait to get it). I have high hopes for it 😀
All these concepts are explained in the book! You can have some soy like tempeh, which is certainly a better choice as it is fermented. Miso is okay also, as in miso soups and for Asian recipes.
Come visit again!
I found this article with links to other articles stating soy is not bad for you. I’ve always been curious to the legitimacy of the claims that soy are bad considering one side (the Asian side) of my family has always consumed soy products without developing cancer.
In The Beauty Detox Solution I include a much more in-depth explanation on this topic, as well as studies.
Remember a few things: First, the soy industry is very powerful and want people to think soy is a health food. Second, in Asia people don’t consume the massive amounts of soy they do in the Western world, and their soy is not the heavily processed forms of soy protein isolates, texturized vegetable protein (TVP), etc. that is currently in 80% of processed foods. Soy in the United States is over 90% genetically modified. Soy is one of the highest allergenic foods, which has to do with its composition but also GMO foods are said to have more allergenic qualities. I could go on and on…but if you want studies that are not put out by the soy industry, check out the book.
Kim, you mentioned that microwaving your “healthy” micro meals delpletes it of any vitamins or minerals that may have been left in it, but does that go for cooking frozen or fresh veggies too? I gently micro most of my veggies (if I’m not using them in a raw salad) – should I be steaming on the stove or in a pot instead? Please don’t take my micro away – I’ve always heard that it helps to preserve vit/mineral content – is this wrong??
HI Gia, sorry to burst your micro bubble 🙂 but it definitely does NOT preserve vitamin and mineral content.
I definitely recommend you start steaming your food over the oven.
Check out my other blog on microwaves for more facts!
I have used tofu or tempeh in salads and stir-fry for years in order to have protein and feel like there is another texture in the food besides the veggies. Also because the tofu can hold some of the herb flavors.
What can I use in it’s place? (I refuse to use textured soy protein etc)
Well tempeh is better than tofu. You can also have more veggies- which have protein in them. Greens especially are high in amino acids to build protein.
In The Beauty Detox Solution I explain why tempeh is a better choice than tofu. I still wouldn’t make tempeh a daily food.
I can’t imagine where you find the time to do these posts, but they are so inspirational for me. Trying to make better choices every day (though beans are a staple in my life – that will be tough!) and trying to think what you’d suggest every time I make or order a meal. Thanks Kimberly!
HI James! Thanks for coming to visit. You certainly don’t have to give up your beans altogether, but you should look into other options for meals. Do you like quinoa?
Come visit again!
I am with James, I was halfway through your book, Kimberly, and I thought to myself “oh no where are beans going to fall!” And as I assumed, they were as you described ‘ops’, a little of both! So when WOULD it be ideal to add some black beans? Or, then when eating hummus and veggies…is that best towards the end of the day?
Hi Kim,
Great, great, great is all I can say!!!
Hubby and I are transitioning into your diet, but have been disagreeing a bit on our transition. I don’t want to skip any steps that are beneficial, but we used to juice veggies everyday w/ an apple/lemon and be vegetarians. Some life events managed to turn us into carnivores and just plain lousy eaters! So hubby wants to skip the GGS and go straight to the GJ in True Beauty. What are we missing by not having GGS, dietary fiber? It looks like you do GGS AND GJ regularly, no?
Thanks much!
Jaime 🙂
Hi Jaime!
Tell your hubby that True Beauty works with the GGS. In fact, the GGS is my primary choice and it is what all my clients have, except for a few that drink the GJ. Over time, you will see how the fiber and composition of the GGS will change your body and energy.
There’s one thing I’ve learned: I have the utmost respect for nature, and I humbly concede that it can never be perfected upon.
In nature, the veggies and fruits are found with both their juice and fiber. That is the most natural way to consume them therefore, blended for more nutrient assimilation and better digestion.
A juice is still processing the produce, by separating out the fiber. That is NOT the way the produce is found in nature.
Sorry…one more question…I noticed that quinoa pasta’s first ingredient is corn flour…is that ok or is it better to just skip the pasta? Thanks again.
Depends on the brand…if that’s what you can get try brown rice pasta instead, and have it only occasionally when you really feel like pasta!
Fabulous article!
And I have to say you have changed my life immensely since stumbling onto your blog 1.5 years ago. I was a vegetarian then, but never knew just how good I could feel by upping the amount of raw leafy greens I eat. Your suggestions were (and continuolously are) improving my healing from Celiac disease tenfold.
I’ve also switched all my body products, and I was once dependent on super strength antiperspirant for sweat stains and smells. Now I can say I don’t have that problem AT ALL. And I have to say the natural smell of skin, hair, everything improves following your suggestions.
Thank you for the knowledge you have shared with all of us. You are very refreshing in the world of nutrition and dietetics!
Take care,
xx
Thanks S!
I’m so happy to hear that, and I love sharing.
Come visit again, and stay connected!!
Let’s say that you’ve made the terrible decision to do any or all of the above… and you are left feeling not only full of regret but also extremely bloated. Is there a way to decrease this bloat or is it just a wait it out game?
Thanks!
(ps–love you, love your book!)
Hi Anna-Marie,
That’s great thanks!
You have to wait it out I’m afraid. Don’t add anything on top or it will add to the pile. You could though take a digestive enzyme at the end of the meal if you forgot to take it at the beginning and that might help some. xx
It’s still weird for me thinking of tofu not as a health food, but I’m so glad you’ve enlightened me (all of us!), Kim!
I’ve sort of asked you this before, but I want to grow my hair out and am wondering about MSM. I’ve already read your two posts on hair care! Can you tell me specifically what you think of MSM as a supplement for hair/skin/nails?
Thanks! You’re the best.
I think MSM has some benefits, but when I used to take it I didn’t see any difference really. The best thing that has helped my hair is plenty of B vitamin-rich foods, such as hemp seeds, dulse, nutritional yeast, and Probiotic & Enzyme Salad.
xx
For ice tea, which is the better brew…black or green tea?
How bout…neither!
My favorite iced tea is rooibos, which is caffeine-free and full of antioxidants. Try it!
thanks for the great post! I love your blog and have ( & luv) your book! 🙂
question for you…
what about sparkling water with lime? I love to order that when I am out and am wondering if the carbonation is bad for me. I don’t feel bad after I drink it. but you do have me wondering now…
When you’re out that’s fine to have. Just don’t drink it all the time- have mostly fresh water!
Believe me, you could be doing way, way worse. 🙂
Hi Kim
I would like to ask you what kind of coconut oil do you use I like Artisana coconut oil, but heard that nutiva is good too. Can you write me please what kind do you use? Thanks a lot I love coconut taste and smell
Both are good brands, as is Dr. Bronners and Jarrow! They are all organic.
I know- I practically bathe in it every day. 🙂
thankyou so much for your knowledge and for passing it on to us. I have been having problems with the news letter, because appear to have error every time. Can you help me? Thankyou again…
Really? Email info@kimberlysnyder.net and we can manually add you!
Hi Kim!
Is So Delicious coconut milk good for you or is it just a safer alternative to dairy?
Thanks, Cheryl
HI Cheryl, it has the beneficial probiotics that dairy yogurt has. It still has some sugar and preservatives, but it is okay to have, and is especially good if you have a sweet craving.
I keep it around for that reason, and so I only have dark chocolate occasionally.
Thanks for the tips, Kim! Always appreciated 🙂
I know you mention coconut milk yogurt as a substitute for us greek yogurt lovers but I just wondering what you think about Almond Milk Yogurt?
Thanks for you terrific book; I LOVE IT!
Amy
I’ve not tried it, but it sounds good as long as they’re no weird artificial sweeteners in it (doubtfully).
Yay!
Hi Kimberly,
My daughter is 15 years old and she is bloating. I wanted to know if she could eat the goji berries, mulberries, goldenberries, acai berries, cacao nibs. She is young and i don’t know if its right for her to be on your diet plan. She has reduce eating salt and sugar and dairy products. I love your book, its great. I love all your recipes on the website. I made the key lime bars. How do you come up with all the cool ideas? Can you suggest something for her bloating.
Thanx!!!
HI Sam,
How is her digestion? All those dried “super foods” are still really high in sugar, which is not helping to reduce her sugar load if candida might be looming.
She doesn’t have to do the full plan, but having her eat the Probiotic & Enzyme salad (if she will) or at least getting on a probiotic supplement may help. It’s great to give up the dairy as well, and processed foods and frozen meals, and soy.
Oh, and have her try some of the Beauty Food Pairing, even if it’s just not eating fruit on an empty stomach.
xx
Thank you so much Kimberly. I really appreciate your help. I’m going make her try some of the Beauty Food Pairing. She will try your plan. I love the Probiotic & Enzyme salad. Its great. I heard that you should drink water while eating. She started to drink the glowing green smoothie. Her breakfast is Glowing Green Smoothie and Oatmeal. Her lunch is going to be Probiotic & Enzyme salad, fresh cut fruit and Vita Coco coconut water. Snack is raw nuts. Dinner is veggie soup. Dessert is your delicious key lime bars. Is this a good diet plan? Thank you for your advice again.
Great insights as usual! One thing that I’d love some more help with, though, is learning how to eat this way socially, and how to explain my choices to others without awkwardness or condescension.
As a vegan, I’m used to bringing my own food to parties etc (and I welcome it, I love making mouth-watering dishes to prove just how tasty veganism can be!), but when someone else has planned an unexpected event, I often find myself in uncomfortable situations.
For example, this week at work a pizza party was planned for me and my team.. At this point in the Beauty Detox, I’m consciously avoiding gluten, but other than “holding the cheese” on my half of a pizza pie, I didn’t know what else to suggest… I don’t want to be unsociable or ungracious to the group, but I love my body and don’t want to compromise my health!
I’m sure that being a nutritionist, people are aware and understanding of your commitment to healthy eating… but do you have any advice for someone like me? Are there any good and simple ways to explain my diet (though I’m already slim, so I don’t want people to think my choices are about “dieting” either), in a way people can relate to?
Sometimes I just want to lie and say it’s all because of allergies…but I feel like that’s a cop-out, and I do want to educate others to make better choices for themselves too.
I know this was a long post… but it’s something I’ve been grappling with for awhile. Maybe you can write a blog post on it?
Thanks so much Kim! Xo
Is Acai okay to eat while trying to get rid of candida?
hey kim!
love, love, love all that you do and all you’re about! thank you to the moon and stars and back!
you have helped me immeasurably get back on the path to health, clarity and balance =)
Wondering your thoughts on ph balanced water…I’m considering putting a system throughout my home. I currently refill glass jugs at a health store 30 mins. away =( once a week. In a pinch I’ll buy bottles (plastic – ugh!) when necessary.
p.s. our tap water has questionable as well as fluctuating qualities so is only used to wash with.
thanx again,
kim
Hi Kimberley!!
Since the order of food is so important, I was wondering the order in which I should eat the Probiotic & Enzyme Salad. Should I eat it before, with, or after my salad for lunch or dinner? Thank you so much!
Amanda
Kimberly,
Just wanted to tell you that I just purchased your book and started reading the first portion of it today and absolutely love it! This is exactly the type of book I have been looking for. I have plenty of health books, but the type of information you give and the way you share it, along with the tone of your writing is empowering. Thank you for contributing this amazing book to individuals such as myself who are trying to learn all we can about how to turn our bodies into energy-charged machines!
Brian
Kimberly,
I don’t want to lose any more weight! I have a plant protein powder (pea,hemp,rice with chia seed) drink at night with unsweeted coconut milk and cinnamon, and greens. Is that ok? Love your book!!
Peggy
Hi Kim,
You said to reduce dairy products right, so what can replace the calcium.
Hi Kimberly,
In your Beauty Detox book, you mention that too much protein strains your body and causes all kinds of acidic by-products which aren’t good for you. I lift weights and take 100% Whey Complex protein powder twice a day (2 scoops = approx. 60 grams). Most fitness trainers recommend taking a Whey complex supplement when working out. As a nutritionist, do you agree? I am sure this is a question that many individuals who read your blog would like to know. Your input is appreciated!
Thanks,
Brian
Hey !
I have been reading your book and its AMAZING!
I read the part where you talk about eating smaller amounts in the morning and than for dinner you eat more.. the restaurant buisness doesnt help much becaus they always offer a better price for lunch and so you will eat more! i feel like i need to email all the restaurants and tell them to make DINNER a better price.
just wanted to see what u thought about that.
HI Kim,
Just started your book and I love it! So much great information. I have been following the beauty detox diet for 4 days now and feel fantastic! I was just wondering what your thoughts on vitamin water zero were? I looked on the label and it said its made with stevia, but I was wondering if there were some other chemicals or acids in it that I should be avoiding. And with that being said do you have any suggestions for drinks besides water and teas? I always crave a little flavor.
I also just checked the book out at my library. The food combining is super interesting and I did enjoy the glowing green smoothie this morning. After watching one of your videos I noticed that you are using a tremendous amount of plastic bags. That’s a huge no, no and I would encourage you to buy some nice reusable vegi/fruit cloth bags. We need to be aware of what we put into our bodies but we also need to be aware of what we’re doing to our planet. Without a place to live it really doesn’t matter what we eat.
Brilliant suggestions! thank you. Something to include in the diet are certain herbal teas too – such as fennel – very good for digestion and also quite tasty!
I wish to show some appreciation to you just for bailing me out of this challenge. Right following browsing through the internet and obtaining principles which were not beneficial, I believed my life was more than. Existing minus the strategies towards the difficulties you might have fixed through your posting is really a crucial case, and the ones that would have badly affected my career if I hadn’t discovered your web site. Your know-how and kindness in taking care with the complete lot was valuable. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I hadn’t encountered such a stuff like this. I can at this moment appear ahead to my future. Thank you so a lot for the skilled and incredible guide. I won’t hesitate to endorse your weblog post to anyone who would require recommendations about this matter.