Are you trying to get rid of that belly bloat? Feel like you’ve tried everything and you’re still uncomfortable? Well, I want to tell you guys about something that has seriously changed my life. It’s called food combining and it’s a way of eating that is based on the fact that different foods such as protein, carbs and fruit, take different amounts of time to digest and use different enzymes to break the food down. For example, because fruit digests so much quicker than protein, it would be a bloating nightmare to eat a cup of fruit with an egg white omelet (not that I eat eggs being plant-based, but just an example). When I follow the guidelines listed below, I feel the best in my body. And while that’s not always easy or possible, (because sometimes you just have to have some avocado toast!) I definitely notice a huge difference when I’m mindful about what foods I’m eating and when. The goal is to make your body as alkaline and inflammation-free as possible.

When we improperly combine protein and starches, protein is already acidic and the improper combining creates more acidity in the body. This means more time for your food to digest and ultimately more abdominal discomfort. When food is improperly combined it just sits in the gut allowing for bad bacteria, yeast and fungus to populate and cause that horrible feeling. It can also lead to more long term guy issues like SIBO and candida overgrowth. I used to live my life in a constant state of bloat and discomfort before becoming plant-based and learning about proper food combining. When I started doing this, I noticed my digestion immediately got better, my skin and the whites of my eyes got brighter and I had a ton more energy!

HERE ARE THE PRINCIPLES TO FOLLOW IF YOU WANT TO BEGIN PRACTICING PROPER FOOD COMBINING:

1. DON'T MIX STARCHES AND PROTEINS

If you’re going to have animal-based protein, do it as your last meal because it takes the most time to digest and is hardest on the body. And don’t eat it with anything other than greens as a side!

2. EAT FRUIT FIRST

Always have fruit first thing in the day. Fruit doesn’t combine well with any other food because it’s the fastest food to digest. Always have fruit alone so it’s not combined with slower digesting foods, causing gas.

3. GREENS GO WITH EVERYTHING

The only food that can go with fruit (in a smoothie), starches or protein is greens! So load up at every meal! You’ll find the extra fiber is helpful for bloat too.

4. KEEP 1/2 OF YOUR PLATE GREEN

You can have greens and veggies with other carbs like rice or a protein, just remember don’t mix the protein and starch together!

5. FROM LIGHTEST TO HEAVIEST

Always eat your meals from lightest to heaviest. An example for me would be starting the day with fruit and some coconut yogurt, a nice greens salad with beans for lunch and a veggie stir-fry with rice and sweet potatoes for dinner! Making the most filling meal at the end of the day will help you feel light and bright throughout the day.

Here is an easy to follow food combination chart to make pairing easier!

As I mentioned, food combining isn't always possible (especially when eating out). When that's the case I like to take Bye Bye Bloat or the Feel Good Detoxy from Solluna. 

Need fun recipes that follow the food combining method? Be sure to stay up-to-date with my most recent recipes on the blog. 

XX,

Kelley