We teach you 4 practical tips to avoid that bloated, heavy feeling after meals.

It's that time of year again!! The summer is getting closer and, with it, the desire to feel better, especially on the outside. The light clothes and swimsuits show their heads through the wardrobe, so the plan to be 'beach ready' is at the front of your mind. Am I the only one? No!! When the heat arrives, we all want our bodies to look better!!

So, with the summer season about to begin it’s natural that all the weight loss diets appear with unrealistic promises!! However, we want to remind you that if you eat healthy throughout the year you do not need to follow any extreme diet.

For exactly this reason, we reveal 4 practical tricks to lighten the usual dishes, but without the need to make any great effort. And do not forget that the trick is to simply have a rich, healthy and balanced diet throughout the year, while doing physical exercise moderately and consistently. Take note of the tricks!

1. Salads? Yes, but be careful! Those of us who often feel a swollen belly after eating, should try to remove lettuce and other leafy vegetables in the salad, especially at dinners. Why? Its high content of insoluble fiber is what produces the annoying abdominal swelling. So, choose the ingredients of your salad well. Oh! And mix high fiber products with other foods that have a lower fiber content, such as potato, couscous or pasta.

2. Important: quality yes, quantity no. With the dishes in general and especially, with the second courses we must control the quantities. It is about preparing meals in reasonable quantities and using culinary techniques that do not add fats. Baking, grilling or steaming is always a good option. Avoid frying food!!

3. Dressings and sauces. You already know that spices, condiments and aromatic herbs serve as perfect flavors, that reduce the need to season dishes and accompany them with fatty sauces. But, do not forget that a healthy dish can be turned into an unhealthy dish because of the sauce or seasoning. Note:Only two tablespoons of olive oil contain 200 calories!

4. Do not forget ... Drink! it is also important to pay attention to our intake of fluids and to remember that alcohol or sugary soft drinks contain fats and / or sugars. The best drink that complements a healthy diet is water, but you already knew that! A good way to make water more interesting is by adding cucumber or lemon slices and leaving it in the fridge overnight!!. You can also choose fruit juices or natural vegetables.

Bon Appetite!