When it comes to improving your gut health, the abundance of information available can be overwhelming and often extreme. Recommendations like only eating meat or avoiding beans and legumes may work for some, but they are not one-size-fits-all solutions. These restrictive diets often eliminate many healthy foods that benefit your gut health.
The world of gut health is full of conflicting advice, but here’s a simple truth: some foods, like ultra-processed foods, fried foods, sugary foods, and alcohol, are just not great for our gut. Focusing on getting more fibre from vegetables can help optimize gut health, promote weight loss, improve bowel movements, and balance blood sugar levels. If you're looking for customized nutrition plans for women's gut health, read on.
Here are eight tips to help get more veggies and optimize your gut health:
1. Make Vegetables Non-Negotiable at Meals: If you’re already eating vegetables, focus on adding more variety and colors. Different vegetables provide different nutrients and antioxidants that are essential for optimal health.
2. Pre-Cut Your Veggies: Who hasn’t bought vegetables only to forget about them and then notice they’re going bad? I love picking one day to pre-cut vegetables. I put on some music, dance, and make it fun.
3. Keep Chopped Kale or Salad Kit Blends on Hand:
Adding a variety of colours can make meals more exciting and nutritious. These are great when you’re in a rush or just feeling exhausted from the day.
4. Try Preparing Vegetables in Different Ways: This can help you enjoy them more. For example, I didn’t like boiled Brussels sprouts but found them delicious when roasted.
5. Have Some Frozen Veggies on Hand: These are convenient and often just as nutritious as fresh vegetables.
6. Keep Your Pre-Cut Veggies at Eye Level in the Fridge: This makes it more likely you’ll use them. Nothing is worse than a container getting pushed to the back of the fridge, only to be discovered when it’s too late.
7. Explore Farmers Markets: Fresh and new options can be exciting. Challenge yourself to pick a new vegetable to enjoy.
8. Grow Your Own Herbs or Vegetables: This can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley are great additions to salads and other dishes, adding new flavours and making things more interesting and nutritious.
Benefits of Vegetables:
Vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and nutrients that support overall health, providing the body with the building blocks it needs to function optimally. They are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for weight management, while their high fibre content aids digestion, helps feed the good microbes in our gut, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Tips on How to Get Started:
Set a Goal: For example, aim to start having vegetables at dinner. Once you are consistent, work on increasing it to every meal.
Have a Plan for Busy Days or When Tired: Keep pre-cut vegetables on hand or have a pre-made salad kit ready.
Experiment with Different Ways of Preparing Vegetables: For example, if you dislike boiled Brussels sprouts, try them raw or roasted for a new taste experience.
Whether you're looking to optimize your gut health, manage weight, or simply feel your best, personalized nutrition is key. A dietitian specializing in women's wellness and gut health in Ontario can help customize your food choices to your body's needs.
Ready to take your gut health to the next level? Click the link above to apply to work with me. I’m here to help you every step of the way.
