Are you looking forward to getting into your swimsuit and heading to the beach this summer, or are you anxious because your body has taken on a little extra weight over winter and you’ve had trouble shedding it since?
If you’re feeling anxious, instead of hitting the gym overtime, ask yourself: Are you still eating heavy foods? If so, you may want to consider eating seasonally this summer. It’s the perfect time of year to transition to cooling foods and incorporate more fruits and raw foods into your diet. This helps your body release the weight it’s been storing for winter and re-energize, as you take on more outdoor activities.
Cooling foods are considered foods that lower the body temperature or are refreshing and internally soothing. They will help your body maintain balance by preventing overheating and inflammation. When we’re constantly inflamed from our diets, we’re putting stress on our body and when we’re stressed, the chemical makeup of our gut changes, creating the perfect environment for weight gain.
1. Aloe Vera Shot
Aloe vera juice decreases inflammation in the gut, supports the growth of good bacteria and helps crowd out the bad bacteria. It’s internally soothing so it relieves heartburn and stomach ulcers, all while helping things moving through the digestive tract. Adding watermelon or lime juice will give this shot a sweet and refreshing taste, packed with antioxidants and vitamins that support a healthy immune system. Watermelon is rich in water and keeps the body cool, so this combination makes the ultimate refreshing summer shot.
By nourishing your gut flora with refreshing whole foods you will please the gut bacteria and aid a healthy summertime microbiome. These gut tonics will help calm inflammation and reduce bloating resulting in a flatter tummy. Additionally, they’ll help promote a summer glow and help you stay fresh and light on a humid day!
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 ounces of aloe vera juice
- ½ lime or 2 -4 ounces of a juiced watermelon
Instructions:
- To make watermelon juice, blend slices and strain before adding to the aloe vera juice.
- Mix them together and if it’s too thick add a splash of water.
- Shoot it.
2. Berry Belly Boost
This berry tonic will protect, soothe and strengthen the gut. Researchers conclude that resveratrol contained in berries significantly reduce inflammation and protect the cells from oxidation, free radicals and collagen damage; giving this tonic belly and beauty benefits. Combining berries with ginger stimulates the gastric juices and aids the reduction of bloating.
To further add gut relief, top off this tonic with a little apple cider vinegar to powerfully charge your digestive enzymes, since apple cider vinegar is loaded with raw enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria. Altogether, this drink will help you eliminate bloating and infuse your skin with a radiant combination of antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 cups of water
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- 1 inch fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of raw local honey
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender
- Blend until smooth
3. Pineapple Cucumber Kefir Fresca.
This agua fresca version uses water kefir and honey instead of the traditional sugar water combination, making it a refreshing probiotic tonic. Water kefir is a probiotic rich drink made by fermenting sugar water in water kefir grains. The sugar is consumed by the bacteria from the water kefir grains creating a probiotic tonic. Probiotic drinks improve complexion, supports the digestive system, boosts the immune system and will keep your bowels regular and control weight.
This pineapple cucumber gut tonic will hydrate and activate the gut. Pineapple and cucumber are both anti-inflammatory and rich sources of fiber, a combination that is essential for digestion. Cucumber is also rich in water so it hydrates the skin and will contribute to a dewy summer glow. Adding mint will the get blood flowing to the gut, while lowering the body’s temperature. All of these ingredients, combined with probiotics will help relieve stress in the gut by cleaning up the bad bacterial overgrowth.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups water kefir
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen pineapple
- 1 whole cucumber peeled and chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
Tip: In the summer you can save time by cutting up your fruit for the week and keeping it the freezer, so they are ready to go.
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender
- Blend until smooth
Once your belly is feeling happy, it will release the anti-inflammatory molecules that are being held hostage in your fats cell and your tummy will look healthier, ultimately, boosting your beach body confidence. If you’re looking for ways to beat the bloat and slim down for the summer season experiment with probiotics and anti-inflammatory foods. Enjoy these tonics for a healthy summer glow and relaxed digestive flow!
Source: naturallivingideas
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