How to stop excess air from bloating you

Masterfile

Maintaining a flat belly might be as simple as swallowing less air. "Too much air in your stomach can make you look and feel bigger," says holistic nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos. Here are three simple ways you can cut back on the extra air in your tummy and beat the bloat.

1. Stick it to gum
Munching on gum means you swallow a lot of extra air with every chew. Try zero-calorie mints instead.

2. Avoid straws
Whatever you're drinking through a straw inevitably comes with air bubbles, so drink straight from the glass, bottle or can.

3. Exhale deeply
If your breathing is fast and shallow, you might not be exhaling all the stale air. Slow your breathing and make sure you fully exhale each breath.