The Clean Girl Dressing Collection

You ever think you’re doing all the right things—eating clean, loading up on veggies, making a cute rice bowl—and then your stomach’s like, "Nah, sis." Cue the bloating, cramps, and puffiness. Yeah, that might not be your food—it could be your sauce.

Let’s talk about one of the sneakiest offenders: those so-called "healthy" sauces. You know the ones. Organic. Gluten-free. Low glycemic. Sounds like a gut-friendly dream, right?

But here’s the reality check: some of these clean-label faves are salt bombs in disguise. Take coconut aminos, for example. That innocent-looking bottle, dressed up with every buzzword imaginable, can pack over 300 mg of sodium per tablespoon. And let’s be honest—who uses just one tablespoon when you’re drizzling over a big, beautiful bowl?

If your stomach’s been feeling off lately—especially around your period, when you’re low on water, or already dealing with food sensitivities—that extra sodium can lead to:

-Stomach cramps or bloating

-Water retention (hello, puffiness)

-Extra gut pressure if you're already inflamed

So if you're trying to stay on your wellness game, keep your tummy flat, and avoid the dreaded food baby, it's time to rethink the sauce game.

Check out: The Clean Girl Dressing Collection

These are easy-to-make, gut-friendly, low-sodium dressings that still hit all the flavor cravings without wrecking your stomach. Make them ahead and store them in little jars for your week. Your rice bowls, salads, and wraps are about to level up.

1. Glow-Up Ginger Lime

Light, zesty, and wakes up any bowl.

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp grated ginger

1 tsp honey or maple syrup

Splash of apple cider vinegar

Optional: pinch of chili flakes for a little kick

2. Bloat-Free Balsamic Herb

Savory, sweet, and doesn’t leave you puffed up.

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp dried basil or oregano

1 tsp maple syrup

Black pepper to taste

3. Creamy Tahini Dream

No dairy, no drama—just silky smooth goodness.

2 tbsp tahini

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp maple syrup or honey

1 tsp olive oil

Warm water to thin

Pinch of garlic powder or cumin (optional)

4. Savory Miso Magic (Low-Sodium Hack)

That umami flavor without blowing your sodium goals.

1 tsp white miso paste (go for low-sodium brands)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp maple syrup

1 tbsp water to thin

Grated ginger or garlic (optional)

5. Green Goddess Glow (No Yogurt Edition)

Bright, herby, and gut-loving.

1 handful fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, or a mix)

2 tbsp olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

1 clove garlic

1/2 avocado

Water to thin

Blend until creamy

The Bottom Line?

Sauces and dressings are where sodium sneaks in hard, and if you’re dealing with gut sensitivity, hormones, or inflammation, it can mess with your whole vibe. But you don’t have to settle for dry bowls or boring salads.

Make your own. Control your ingredients. Glow from the inside out.

Stay saucy, but keep it clean.

Xoxo,

Stephanie Rachelle