We’ve all seen the videos on social media where creators outline their “5 to 9 before 9 to 5” routines — which often include an extensive array of morning wellness rituals that, frankly, look totally exhausting.
While you don’t necessarily need a 15-part routine to feel well, there is some validity in having a morning ritual. Because, for better or worse, how we start our morning really dictates how we feel the rest of the day. In fact, some seemingly harmless choices can mean setting the stage for a day of sluggishness and uncomfortable bloating (ugh).
That’s where that morning routine comes into play: It helps us set ourselves up for success, both mentally and physically, and it can be the key to reducing bloating naturally. To determine the absolute best steps for a bloat-free morning routine, we chatted with experts to get their take on strategies, recipes, and supplements to help beat unwanted bloat before it ruins your day.
Lifestyle Tips for a Bloat-Free Morning
Bloat is, of course, quite common. It can be caused by irregular eating patterns, dehydration, high fiber foods (or, not getting enough fiber), stress, or underlying health conditions — the list goes on. That said, there are some things you can do in the morning to help ease your discomfort for the rest of the day. Try some of these expert-backed tips as part of your bloat-free morning routine.
- Hydrate with intention:
“If you’re bloated, it can seem counterintuitive to drink more water, but that’s exactly what you should do!” says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, a nutritionist and author. Aim to drink at least a cup of water first thing in the morning — you can even add lemon or cucumber for a little extra anti-inflammatory support, as well.
- Incorporate gentle movement:
Moving your body first thing in the morning is so beneficial for your overall health — and it also has the power to help ease bloating. “Start moving as early as possible to get gas moving; light stretches and poses like ‘wind relief’ can make a big difference,” says Brittany Brown, RD, a registered dietitian and yoga teacher in Nova Scotia, Canada.
What’s more, “exercise promotes gut motility, which means the food in your gut will start to move out if it’s been ‘stuck’ for a few days,” says Largeman-Roth. “And a good sweat sesh will also get rid of excess sodium, so exercise helps fight bloat in a few ways.”
- Eat more mindfully:
We get it, sometimes mornings can feel rushed, but taking the time to slow down and mindfully enjoy your food can make all the difference when it comes to managing bloat. “Take a few minutes for relaxation or mindfulness to support the gut-brain connection,” says Pace.
Something that can help? Try belly breathing, suggests Brown, which can “help relax the digestive tract and chew your food thoroughly to keep the entire process running smoothly.”
- Choose foods wisely:
What you eat matters, as well. The experts recommend sticking to a balanced breakfast, including foods that are low-sodium and contain plenty of fiber (Largeman-Roth suggests 5 to 7 grams of fiber, since this will get your GI system moving, without causing any digestive discomfort).
“Keeping the stomach acidic also helps to improve digestion,” says Brown. “Try lemon water, apple cider vinegar, or fermented foods like kimchi to both support gut bacteria and improve digestion.
It’s also best to avoid carbonated beverages or anything else that tends to irritate your stomach. For instance, Largeman-Roth suggests skipping food and drinks with sugar alcohols (like erythritol) if you know you’re sensitive to them.
Bloat-Reducing Recipes
Want some inspo for the most important meal of the day? In general, it’s best to opt for foods that are high in fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Here, Alison Richman, MS, RDN, a product innovation and education manager for HUM, shares some bloat-free breakfast recipes:
- Fiber-Packed Green Smoothie: Combining spinach, cucumber, pineapple, mint, chia, and HUM Core Strength Protein is a refreshing way to frontload fiber and hydration while also adding protein for blood sugar balance. Plus, mint and pineapple support digestion by helping to break down foods and reduce gas.
- Anti-Inflammatory Overnight Oats: Mixing rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, ginger, blueberries, and cinnamon creates a great combo of fiber and antioxidants to calm inflammation and support regularity.
- Savory Veggie Egg Muffins: Spinach, zucchini, bell pepper, eggs, and turmeric make for a high-protein, veggie-forward option that’s portable and less likely to cause bloat than a heavier carb-based breakfast.
HUM Supplement Routine for Beating Bloat
Of course, one helpful addition to your morning routine is incorporating HUM Nutrition digestion supplements. Richman specifically recommends combining Flatter Me Extra Strength and Gut Instinct. “I like this pairing because it covers two different angles of digestion: Flatter Me XS helps me right in the moment, especially if I’m eating something heavier or more complex, while Gut Instinct is more about long-term balance, keeping my gut flora in check so I feel more consistent overall,” she says.
Flatter Me XS is HUM’s extra-strength digestive enzyme blend, and Richman loves that it helps break down protein, carbs, fiber, and fat. “For me, it’s the supplement that takes the guesswork out of post-meal bloating,” she says.
Gut Instinct, on the other hand, delivers 10 probiotic strains with 25 billion CFU to support the gut microbiome, gut-immune system, and overall digestion.
One more to consider? Celery Juice Fiber Gummies, which feature gut-loving fiber, detox greens, and essential vitamins. “Formulated with clinically tested prebiotic fiber to support regularity and a balanced gut microbiome, plus celery juice powder and chlorophyll to promote natural detox pathways,” says Richman. “With added vitamins A, C, B6, K1, and folate, these gummies give you the benefits of celery juice—minus the juicer.”
Conclusion
There’s no one magical morning step that will transform your day into bloat-free bliss—if you want to see a noticeable difference in how you feel, it all comes down to small, consistent habits.
That said, by starting each morning more mindfully—hydrating, moving your body, eating a nutritious meal, and even incorporating a HUM supplement—you can begin to pave the way for lighter, more energized days ahead.
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