10/09/2026
DAY 12 — BELLY FAT OR BLOATING? LET’S FIGURE OUT WHAT’S GOING ON! 💚
Have you ever woken up feeling pretty good about your middle, only to have your stomach feel bigger, tighter or uncomfortable by the end of the day?
Or maybe your jeans fit differently from one day to the next?
Before you decide your nutrition isn’t working or you’ve suddenly gained belly fat, let’s talk about something important. 👇
Bloating and belly fat are NOT the same thing!
Body fat changes over time. Bloating can change over hours, depending on digestion, food choices, fluid balance and other factors.
And during perimenopause and menopause, changes in hormones, digestion, sleep and routine can make it even more frustrating to figure out what’s happening.
So let’s get curious instead of automatically deciding we need to eat less!
🥦 WHAT FOODS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO BLOATING?
A food that bothers one person may be perfectly fine for someone else.
But here are some common culprits worth knowing about:
🫘 Beans and lentils: They contain fermentable carbohydrates that gut bacteria break down, producing gas.
🥦 Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage: Nutritious vegetables that can cause gas for some people, especially in larger portions.
🧅 Onions and garlic: These contain fermentable carbohydrates that some people have difficulty digesting.
🍎 Apples, pears and some other fruits: Certain natural sugars and carbohydrates can trigger symptoms in sensitive people.
🥛 Milk, ice cream and some dairy products: If you have trouble digesting lactose, these can cause gas, bloating and sometimes diarrhea.
🍬 Sugar-free candies, gums and some protein bars: Sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol can cause digestive symptoms in some people.
🥤 Carbonated drinks: The extra gas can contribute to that full, bloated feeling.
🍟 Large, high-fat meals: These can slow stomach emptying for some people and leave them feeling overly full.
🧂 Very salty meals: These can contribute to temporary water retention, making you feel puffier.
Remember, wheat products aren’t automatically a problem for everyone, and you don’t need to eliminate gluten or entire food groups without a specific reason.
The goal is to identify YOUR patterns—not create a longer list of foods you’re afraid to eat.
⚡ WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ENERGY?
Think about how you feel when you’re uncomfortably bloated.
Maybe your stomach feels tight, your clothes are uncomfortable, and you don’t feel like moving much.
Digestive discomfort can affect how you feel throughout the day. And when you’re already dealing with menopause-related sleep changes, a busy schedule and everything else life throws at you, feeling uncomfortable can make taking care of yourself feel even harder.
That’s why we’re looking at the WHOLE picture.
We’re not just trying to change how our belly looks. We want to feel good, have the energy to move, fuel our bodies and keep doing the things we love.
❤️ SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN TRY
You don’t need to overhaul your entire diet. Start with these practical habits:
1️⃣ Slow down when you eat.
Put your fork down between bites. Chew your food thoroughly. Give yourself time to enjoy your meal.
Eating quickly can cause you to swallow more air, and it can make it easier to eat past comfortable fullness.
2️⃣ Pay attention to portion sizes.
Even nutritious foods can leave you feeling uncomfortable if you eat a very large meal. Eat at a comfortable pace and notice when you’re satisfied.
3️⃣ Drink water consistently.
Adequate fluids help support digestion and regular bowel movements, particularly when you’re increasing fiber.
4️⃣ Increase fiber gradually.
Fiber is important for gut health and regularity, but going from very little fiber to a lot overnight can increase gas and bloating. Build up gradually and drink enough fluids.
5️⃣ Take a short walk after meals.
Even 5–10 minutes of easy walking can help support normal digestion and gives you a little extra daily movement. Bonus: it connects right back to our NEAT discussion!
6️⃣ Notice your personal triggers.
If you consistently feel uncomfortable after certain foods, keep a simple food-and-symptom log. Look for patterns rather than eliminating five foods at once.
🌿 SUPPORT YOUR GUT NATURALLY
You know I’m a big believer in giving our bodies the nutritional support they need—not just through the food we eat, but through the habits we build and the supplements we choose.
Let’s start with the basics: whole foods, adequate fiber, water, movement, sleep and managing stress. These are the foundation of digestive health.
And when we want additional support, here are a few options from Shaklee that I personally use or include in my wellness routine.
💚 Meology Personalized Vitamin Packs + Life Shake
I love having a consistent daily routine that helps me focus on getting the nutrients my body needs. Meology offers personalized vitamin and supplement packs tailored to individual needs and goals.
I also use Life Shake, which provides 20 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving. Protein supports muscle maintenance and recovery, while fiber helps support digestive health and regularity. I like having an easy option to help me get both into my day!
🌿 Stomach Soothing Complex
I LOVE this stuff! It contains a four-herb blend of peppermint, ginger, fennel and anise, designed to help relieve occasional upset stomach, indigestion and gas.
For me, this is one I reach for when my stomach needs a little extra support!
🦠 Optiflora DI Probiotic
This probiotic is designed to support a healthy gut microbiome and digestive health. I include it in my daily vitamin pack as part of my regular wellness routine.
🍃 EZ Gest
This enzyme blend supports the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to help support digestion.
And honestly? If I forget to take my EZ Gest and notice my body reacting, my Stomach Soothing Complex is the one I reach for to help with occasional digestive discomfort!
Everyone’s body is different, and these products won’t address every cause of bloating. They’re options to consider alongside the everyday habits we’re building throughout this series.
The foundation is how we eat, move, hydrate and care for ourselves. Supplements are there to complement those habits—not replace them. ❤️
🎯 TODAY’S ACTION
For the next three days, pay attention to three things:
✅ What you’re eating and drinking
✅ How quickly and how much you’re eating
✅ How your belly feels afterward
Also notice your water intake, bowel habits and energy levels.
Don’t try to change everything at once. Look for patterns, then choose ONE small adjustment to try.
Because the more we understand our bodies, the better decisions we can make for them.
We’re learning to work WITH our bodies, not fight against them. ❤️
👇 If you’ve ever struggled with bloating, you’re not alone! What’s one thing that’s helped you feel better lately? Let’s share what we’re learning! 💬