Aloha! I am really excited to share and discuss gut health together and grateful WelleCo was keen on pairing up to promote this important topic and whip up some yummy alkalizing recipes together!
Lets face it, a healthy gut is tricky these days with all the processed sugar and fat laden products out there. There is just so much information out there that it gets confusing for us to know what to do so my biggest piece of advice to live by before we get into specifics .…eat a variety of whole foods and not too much! Keep it simple. Stick to the basics. Pick Plant over processed and your body will utilize the nutrients its needs and find a proper ph balance and this is where you will accomplish a healthy gut aka a happy life! Just do the best ya can.
And don't fret, this doesn’t mean never indulge but my advice is to make the majority of your diet and lifestyle clean and sustaining! Give that love your body needs! (And just so you know all recipes on my site are meant to be gut friendly (even nicecreams in moderation)).
For many people I know its hard to always eat fresh and look for a supplement to accompany their diet so this month I partnered with The Super Elixir by WelleCo to share recipes and tips that can improve gut health using their Alkalizing Greens, which is an all natural multi-vitamin supplement made with premium cold pressed bio-live ingredients! It is a definite favorite of mine.
On Instagram this past week, many of you voiced you had stomach issues you have and want to improve. I also loved reading how so many have found freedom from IBS, leaky gut syndrome, weight gain, fatigue from following a plant based diet. Some of you said you went vegan hoping for these benefits with no success. I have personally found that it takes more than going vegan to heal. As you work on becoming an expert on you here is what has worked for me and may work for you!
GUT HEALTH TIPS
- First of all, oil, even plant oil can irritate the stomach so watch oils and sauces…
- second, nuts, seeds, too much acidic foods (grains, processed foods) can cause stomach bloat so maybe avoid for a while and introduce gradually later.
- Here is a list of foods to avoid and or limit when first transitioning your diet to avoid the bloat and even more tips if interested! http://www.earthyandy.com/getting-started/
Morning Start
For a good start on the day (you likely will detest this at the beginning haha). Try drinking warm or room temperature water with lemon, apple cider vinegar and molasses. Read below to understand this madness… If you do this though, you will not crave anything sugary after. It curbs your appetite like no other and sugary food (Cereals, donuts, whatever), you wont be able to even stomach it! I personally drink lemon water first, take a spoon of vinegar with a little water, and then a spoon of molasses straight. I actually like it now! My husband has been doing this now for a good 8 months and finds without it he craves sugar etc. He is sold on it too.
Starting your day like this is going to give your insides a morning rinse, your metabolism a kick start, hydrate your cells and curb cravings which naturally prepare you to make food choices that will also support a healthy gut. Listed below is a little more info on what to try! Hope this helps! Pair this with some exercise and you are going to be golden in a matter of no time. I can't promise anything because I am not a professional, but what I do know is nature is going to support your health more than processed. Its back to the basics with nature!
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar “Braggs” Brand:
Apple cider vinegar and vinegar in general are composed of acetic acid which aids in digestion through its anti-fungal, antibacterial and alkalizing properties. Apple cider vinegar can decrease inflammation throughout the body and specifically the digestive tract. I take 1-2 tbsp. diluted in water every morning or before every meal. Apple cider vinegar has been a remedy to digestive issues for over a thousand years and can even help with reducing candida!
Organic Un-sulphered Black-strap Molasses:
Black-strap molasses is packed with so many nutrients like vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and so much more! Taking a tablespoon of molasses every morning helps to jump start your digestive track and gives your body the minerals and nutrients it needs for healthy hair skin and nails. Interesting fact…black-strap molasses is nutrient dense in magnesium which helps your muscles relax and draws water into the stool which promotes gut health! The best part is a jar of proper molasses is just a couple of dollars!
Fiber Rich Whole Foods
Fiber rich whole foods are so important to a healthy gut because of the effect that fiber has on the digestive system which includes a healthy gut. Fibre rich whole foods can help control blood sugar, promote heart health and offer relief from IBS. I love making green smoothies or having a large salad with kale or spinach. Fiber rich foods help with normal bowel movement and bowel health together. Did you know that staying “regular” helps with energy levels and mood?
Hydration
It sounds too simple to be a solution to a healthy gut but a healthy gut needs good old fashioned H20 and foods that are dense with it to help keep that digestive tract stay clean and clear. I like to drink a glass of water with lemon right when I wake up and then before every meal the best I can. I also eat a lot of cucumbers and melons which are 96% water!
Exercise
Lastly exercise! Movement where you can when you can really pays off! I love to stay active and get in some type of physical exertion everyday whether it’s working out with my hubby, going for a bike ride with the kids, going for a run, swim, doing yoga or going for a surf! Exercise, specifically high intensity interval training (HIIT) has been found beneficial in promoting a healthy gut. (I didn't know this until recently). Exercise helps improve the balance of bacteria in the gut, while improving your circulation, weight, skin, mood and the list goes on…. In case you need some extra motivation!
I hope this helps a bit! I know there is a lot of advise out there! This is what worked for me and if its any help to you that's awesome!!
Alkalizing Glow Bowl Recipe:
Serving 1 Prep- freeze mangoes, coconut water ice cubes, and banana
1 cup frozen mango
3 frozen banana
1-2 dino kale leafs. or 1 cup baby spinach
5 coconut water ice cubes
1 teaspoon superelixir alkalizing greens.
Blend until smooth and top with your favorite toppings. I enjoy mango blueberries kiwi granola and coconut shreds!
P.S. You can make this into a smoothie and if you don't have the Superelixir powder yet you can still use this recipe!
