Delicious Foods that Strengthen the Mind-Body Connection; Enjoying delicious, satisfying meals is easy when you put your gut health first.
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Did you know that one of the best-kept secrets to happiness lies in your gut? Within your gut lies a thriving community of over 100 trillion microbial cells. This community, called the gut microbiome, consists of both helpful and potentially harmful microbes. They are responsible for a host of vital functions, including energy recovery, metabolism, and immune function.
They also protect the body against pathogenic invasion and help keep mental conditions such as depression at bay. If not for the gut microbiome, your body would lack several nutrients, including vitamins and amino acids.
The key to a healthy gut microbiome is to feed healthful microbes the foods they need to thrive. Below are just a few foods that can ensure you have a thriving microbiome that promotes optimal physical and mental health.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Both probiotic and prebiotic foods can help to create a healthy gut microbiome. To clear things up, here’s an easy definition for each of these food types. Probiotics are living strains of healthful bacteria that add to the existing good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are fiber-rich plant foods that essentially serve as food for your good bacteria. By consuming these foods, you can help give rise to a myriad of health-boosting gut bacteria.
Delicious Foods for Optimal Gut Health
You don’t need detailed guides, nutritional counters, or even the Internet to consume the kind of foods that your gut will love. An ideal plan for success involves adopting the Mediterranean diet, which comprises lean proteins, healthy Omega-3 fats, and above all, plenty of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. Why is fiber so important? Because when the bacterial communities in your gut metabolize it, they produce short-chain fatty acids that stave off gut disease, obesity, and colorectal cancer!
Incorporating Gut-Friendly Foods into Your Diet
When you next make your supermarket planning list, conduct research into which foods are particularly conducive to good gut health. Think high-fiber foods like beans, oats, and fruits. Just a few top choices include fresh fruits, seeds, and oats. Try to combine several of these foods in all your meals, including breakfast. For instance, a classic vegetable-based smoothie can really hit the spot. Just pop a kiwi, banana, baby spinach, nut milk, probiotic yogurt, chia and flax seeds, and one tablespoon of rolled oats into your blender, and you’re ready to start your day. For lunch, consume fish or vegetable-based proteins, as well as simple vegetables (such as sautéed green beans) and a couple of fruits (think apples and berries).
What Foods Should You Avoid?
Aim to shun refined foods that contain added sugars and refined flour. These foods can wreak havoc on your health, causing your insulin levels to spike, then plummet. Also, steer clear of foods made with unhealthy vegetable oils. Instead, cook your own food at home using healthy oils like cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or flaxseed oil.
Enjoying delicious, satisfying, yet ultra-healthy meals is easy when you put your gut health first. Doing so is a smart idea, as a healthy gut microbiome can help keep you slim and boost your mood. The secret to a happy gut is simple. Consume a high-fiber diet and give it a boost with a few probiotic and prebiotic foods!
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