All of us feel bloated sometimes, whether due to hormonal fluctuations, a sedentary lifestyle, stress or poor circulation. I regularly feel bloated, but there are certain times when it’s worse than others — i.e.
when I don’t have an opportunity to exercise and I’m more stressed than normal. All of this, topped off with a few coffees (and artificial sweeteners), can add up to an uncomfortable feeling when evening arrives. I do have a great solution, however: a light, satiating, anti-inflammatory dinner that calms my stomach and helps me sleep well.
First course: Gazpacho with serrano ham Dermatologist Ricardo Ruiz said it best: “A cup of gazpacho is like a supplement in soup form,” because it is packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients like tomato, cucumber, pepper and olive oil. These are all foods that “prolong life expectancy.” Dr Mar Mira, of Madrid’s Mira + Cueto clinic, also recommends starting dinner with gazpacho or its cousin salmorejo (though opt for a salmorejo recipe that doesn’t use bread) when your goal is to fight cellular oxidation and detoxify.
You don’t need to make your own but if you are buying pre-made gazpacho, check the ingredients list for any unhealthy additions. I usually add serrano ham, which was a suggestion from sports nutrition expert Sandra Lordén Álvarez. Second course: A fried egg Eggs are versatile and a high-quality protein.
While sometimes I opt for an omelette with tuna, a fried egg, made in a non-stick frying pan.