8 Belly-Flattening Fruits and Veggies

Summer barbecues and pool parties often come with sodium-rich and difficult-to-digest foods that contribute to uncomfortable stomach bloat. To beat flatulence and help flatten your belly, load up on these eight nourishing fruits and veggies:

1. Coconut Water

Coconut water is rich in potassium, a flatulence-fighting mineral and electrolyte that aids in flushing sodium, which contributes to bloat, out of the body. Stick to coconut water that is naturally sweet and doesn't contain any added sugar.

2. Papaya

This tropical fruit contains a bloat-fighting enzyme called papain, which aids in breaking down proteins within the gastrointestinal area, facilitating digestion. In addition, papaya is loaded with potent antioxidants that reduce inflammation and fiber that contributes to a healthy digestive tract.

3. Watermelon 

Watermelon is more than 90 percent water, so it's a natural bloat-beating diuretic that supports the body in releasing excess water and sodium. This juicy summertime staple is also loaded with amino acids and vitamins A, B-6 and C.

4. Cantaloupe

A rich source of cancer-fighting carotenoids, cantaloupes are also high in H20 and potassium. And they're full of immunity-boosting vitamin C and won't spike your blood sugar levels.

5. Pineapple

Pineapple packs in a load of potassium along with an enzyme called bromelain that supports protein digestion. For maximum digestive benefits, dig into the stem (not quite as delicious as the golden flesh, but very nourishing) where most of the bromelain is stored.

6. Asparagus

This anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich veggie is another powerful diuretic that aids in removing extra liquids from the body and helps to reduce unwanted bloat. Try cooking your asparagus to boost the benefits of its cancer-fighting antioxidants.

7. Cucumber 

Not only will this water-rich veggie help you de-puff your peepers, it will also minimize any stomach bloat. Cucumbers work wonders when it comes to reducing puffiness and water retention in the body and are also abundant in vitamin C, silica (a trace mineral that functions as a bone strengthener) and caffeic acid (an anti-inflammatory organic compound stored in the skin). Chop up this crispy, refreshing veggie for a snack, or blend it into a hydrating smoothie.

8. Celery 

Celery is another natural diuretic known for its assistance in relieving water retention. If nut butter and celery isn't your thing, juice it up or try it in a soup.

Tummy-Flattening Papaya Pineapple Smoothie

This smoothie fuses the bloat-fighting powers of coconut water, banana, papaya, pineapple and mint for a nourishing glass of tropical yumminess. Add a spoonful of Philosophie Berry Bliss and Green Dream Superfood and Protein Blends for plant-based proteins, phytonutrients and antioxidants that stabilize and support digestion.

Ingredients
* 1 cup of coconut water
* 1 frozen banana
* 1/2 chopped papaya
* 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple
* 1/2 cup of frozen organic kale
* 1 tablespoon of Berry Bliss Superfood + Protein Blend
* 1 tablespoon of Green Dream Superfood + Protein Blend
* Handful of fresh mint
Blend all ingredients and enjoy frothy and cold!