**Real Life Post** These pictures were taken 9 days apart. LADIES, we all go through it... premenstrual bloating, cramping and rollercoaster mood swings.. some cycles are worse than others.. But never have I EVER gone through such drastic belly bloating like I did this month! No, I wasn't pushing out my stomach in the picture on the left.. I just had so much bloating that my belly was hardened and poked out from my bust and down. I'm not gonna lie, I reaaaaally struggled to stay body positive during this cycle. I felt insecure, overweight and extremely anxious and irritable. It can be SO hard to keep in mind that the effects will ware off in a few days time! So, if you're struggling out there, I want to just give ya a little reminder.. You are beautiful. You shouldn't be too hard on yourself. And you will be over the "aunt flow" effects in just a few days! 💕 ••Good vibes sending your way, lovelies •• #reallifepost #reallifetalk #beforeandafter #bloatedbelly #staypositive #bodypositive #fitnessjourney #youarebeautiful [1]
These look like before and after weight-loss photos but were taken only nine days apart. Why the drastic difference? You ladies could answer that. Yup, Aunt Flow does it again. This is premenstrual bloating, folks, and these honest photos show you that some months can be worse than others when it comes to water retention and gas.
Lauren says, "I'm not gonna lie, I reaaaaally struggled to stay body positive during this cycle. I felt insecure, overweight and extremely anxious and irritable." We appreciate her bravely sharing these photos and saying, "So, if you're struggling out there, I want to just give ya a little reminder.. You are beautiful. You shouldn't be too hard on yourself. And you will be over the 'aunt flow' effects in just a few days!"
Bloat that happens around that time of the month is often unavoidable, because it's the increased levels of the hormones [3] progesterone and estrogen that trigger your bloat, as well as other digestive issues including gas, constipation, or diarrhea. But you can help decrease that puffy feeling by cutting down on your salt intake, drinking more water, and cutting down on dairy, sugar [4] (that sounds tortuous with your crazy sugar cravings, we know!), and alcohol. Also, increasing your fiber intake by eating lots of fruits and veggies and whole grains can keep your digestive system happy and cut down on bloat.
And like Lauren said, just hang in there, stay positive, and remember that it'll soon pass! Knowing you're not alone in this should make you feel better.