SLIM IN AN INSTANT!

Feel lighter and look trimmer with these quick and easy changes

Party wardrobe feeling too tight? Or is embarrassing bloating wrecking your confidence when it comes to dressing up this season? Rich food, sweet treats and flowing booze are enough to make anyone's stomach blow up like a Christmas pudding.

However, a few simple lifestyle changes could take care of that uncomfortable tummy swell. From ditching salt and sipping mint tea to moves that will help eliminate trapped wind, here's how to get a healthier, happier and flatter tum.

Chew your food

On average, we chew our food just six times before swallowing. But chewing too quickly allows large particles of food to enter your stomach and intestines, which can cause digestive problems.

Instead, we should be aiming for around 30 chews - or even 40 for harder food like steak or nuts. This will break food down into smaller pieces, aiding digestion and reducing the risk of bacterial overgrowth.

SWERVE SWEETENER

Specifically sorbitol. This artificial sweetener - found in sweets, soft drinks and sugar-free gum - can trigger wind, bloating and diarrhoea. Not ideal before you head out to a party. Check food labels, especially if you regularly experience tummy problems.

Shake the salt habit

Salt encourages the body to hold on to fluid. Ditching the salt shaker won’t be enough, though – you’ll need to cut back on takeaways and ready meals and flavour home-cooked food with herbs instead. Parsley is perfect, as it helps eliminate excess fluids from the body.

GO FOR A WALK