Many women can feel exceptionally bloated after meals of any size, particularly when they are pretty handsome helpings.

Indeed, for some ladies the horrible bloated feeling (and appearance) is enough to put them off going for a fancy meal with their friends or significant other.

There's no need to avoid going out for dinner altogether, however.

In fact, according to Anna Mason, founder of Distance Dieters, there is a way to cut out the bloating after eating by simply making a few healthy living changes.

Water

A great idea is to order a glass of water with your meal, as well as have ample amounts of the old H20 in the day.

"Drink plenty of water - 1.5 to two litres each day. This will help to flush out the system and if you are dehydrated will hydrate you. People who do not drink enough can also suffer from bloat," Ms Mason recommended.

Overall, it is advisable to have about six glasses of water per day. Not only will this get rid of the bloat, it will help flush out toxins in your body leaving your skin soft, supple and youthful.

"The easy way to consume your water is to have a large glass with each meal and snack you eat," she explained.

If you're drinking alcohol with your meal (which can make you extra bloated), be sure to have even more water, as alcohol does dehydrate you.

Cut out processed foods

According to Ms Mason, processed foods are full of bloat-inducing ingredients.

If you're prone to bloating, she recommends removing processed foods from the diet completely, instead opting for natural and fresh products.

"Flour and wheat-based products will promote bloating and a feeling of discomfort, [and] they will also promote headaches and insomnia," she also explained.

Some fresh foods can make you feel bloated, as well. Typical culprits include beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, onions and garlic.

Food intolerance

If you have exhausted all other avenues, there is a chance that you could have a food intolerance if your stomach is never flat after meals.

Food intolerances, such as wheat or dairy allergies, can cause fluid retention which often resorts in bloating.

Posted by Matilda Jones