By Marygrace Taylor, Prevention
When it comes to those events where you really
want to look your best (high school reunion, anyone?), the right
shapewear and a killer lipstick are two powerful tools at your disposal.
But nutritionists have another weapon in their beauty arsenal: food.
[post_ads]In the days—or hours—leading up to an event, eating the right stuff
can help you look and feel like a million bucks. Because let's face it,
not even a great blowout or a fierce pair of heels can make you feel
sexy when you're majorly bloated. (Try these 6 yoga poses to beat bloat and relieve your digestive discomfort.)
What to eat, exactly? Take a look at these expert-backed picks, which
can fight bloating, nix puffiness, make your skin glow, and more.
(Learn more ways to eat for better skin—and lose up to 25 pounds in 2 months—with Prevention's new Younger In 8 Weeks plan!)
"It seems counterintuitive, but when you have
fluid retention, the best thing to do is to drink more fluid. For
puffiness—especially the day before I have to do any work on camera—I
drink a lot of hibiscus tea. It's a natural mild diuretic, and it works
like a charm. I drink it during the day, and then brew up more and keep
it on my nightstand and drink it before I go to sleep. It's been the
best thing for my puffy eyes!" (This is the healthiest herbal tea there is, according to Prevention Premium.)
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—Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD, FAND and director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife Nutrition
"I try to lower my carbohydrates and eat more
lean protein—things like fish, lentils, or low-fat cottage cheese—in
the few days before the event. Cutting back on carbs and increasing my protein helps me lose water weight, so I look leaner." (Here's what a perfect day of protein-packed eating looks like.)
—Kimberly Melton, RD, founder of NutritionPro Consulting
[post_ads]"I'll reach for dandelion greens. These
bitter greens, often discarded as weeds, support kidney function and
liver detox. They aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and keep extra water weight at bay. Try them lightly steamed or sautéed, or add them to juice or a smoothie." (Another option: this amazing recipe for Dandelion Greens with Warm Bacon Dressing.)
—Neka Pasquale, founder of the meal delivery service Urban Remedy
"Bananas, melons, oranges, mango, and watermelon are high in potassium, which acts like a natural diuretic to help flush out excess sodium that can leave you puffy.
(Plus, they all have a high water content.) Papaya is another good
choice—it has a ton of digestive enzymes that aid digestion and fight
bloating. Fruit salad, anyone?"
—Dale Ames Kline, MS, RD, LD, Director of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics at OnCourse Learning
"I choose veggies that are less likely to
cause gas and bloating like spinach, peppers, zucchini, and yellow
squash. Try to avoid carbonated beverages (even club soda) and salty
snacks, which can cause water retention and bloat. For an all-day slim
waistline, opt for water, fresh fruit or veggies, and lean protein
sources such as chicken bites, hard-boiled eggs, or a low sugar protein bar." (Just in case… here's what GI docs do to beat their own bloat.)
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—Amanda Figge, MS, RD, LDN
"Don't forget about the stress that can come
with a big event! To promote feelings of calm, I drink sobacha (roasted
buckwheat tea) throughout the day. It contains tension-fighting B vitamins. And because it's high in fiber, it helps you feel fuller faster and longer." (Sneak more fiber into your diet with these 5 easy tricks.)
