Let's face it: Our hectic lifestyles are not kind to our guts. Processed convenience foods and endless busy days can really do a number on our digestive systems. But there's good news! You can make simple changes to your daily routine to include more gut-loving foods in your diet--and you'll feel better, sleep more soundly, feel less stress and look amazing! Just follow the expert advice and enjoy the delicious recipes in this special bookazine.
BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT!
THE POWER OF THE GUT • LOOKING AFTER YOUR GUT COULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN MAINTAINING LONG-TERM OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS. FROM AIDING DIGESTION TO PREVENTING CHRONIC DISEASES, THE BASIS OF GOOD HEALTH MAY RESIDE IN YOUR GUT.
PANTRY STAPLES • STOCK UP ON WHOLESOME FOODS THAT ARE NATURALLY FULL OF GOODNESS
Breakfasts • START OUT WITH A BASE TO SET THE STAGE FOR GOOD DIGESTIVE FUNCTION FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
MUESLI 4 WAYS
Prebiotics & Probiotics
HOW THE GUT AFFECTS YOUR BODY • THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IS A SERIES OF ORGANS THAT CONVERT FOOD INTO NUTRIENTS THAT YOU ABSORB AND ELIMINATES WASTE THAT YOU DON’T USE. SOUNDS FAIRLY STRAIGHTFORWARD, BUT RESEARCHERS ARE DISCOVERING THAT YOUR GUT DOES MUCH MORE THAN JUST PROCESS THE FOOD WE EAT.
FOODS THAT FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Light Meals • BE KIND TO YOUR GUT BACTERIA TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND KEEP STRESS AWAY!
KIMCHI 4 WAYS
GUT HEALTH & EXERCISE • DO YOU NOTICE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM POST-EXERCISE? ASIDE FROM RELIEVING STRESS, IMPROVING YOUR MOOD, BURNING ENERGY AND FIRING UP YOUR METABOLISM, EXERCISE IS ALSO A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF A LIFESTYLE THAT SUPPORTS GREAT GUT HEALTH.
15 WAYS TO RESET YOUR GUT Today • LOOKING FOR SOME QUICK AND EASY SOLUTIONS TO SOOTHE YOUR SYSTEM, RESET YOUR GUT AND GET YOU BACK ON THE PATH TO DIGESTIVE WELLNESS?
Main Meals • TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! MAKE SURE YOUR BIGGER MEALS ARE MADE UP OF GUT-HEALTHY INGREDIENTS.
STRESS & YOUR DIGESTION • HAVE YOU EVER FELT BUTTERFLIES BEFORE A MEETING OR HAD A “GUT FEELING” ABOUT SOMETHING? THAT’S THE DIRECT CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR GUT IN ACTION. THIS CONNECTION IS POWERFUL, AND IF STRESS ISN’T MANAGED PROPERLY, IT CAN IMPACT YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.
DRESSINGS 4 WAYS
WHY FIBER IS SO IMPORTANT • WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORD FIBER, YOU MAY IMMEDIATELY THINK OF YOUR GRANDMA EATING PRUNES OR THAT TIME YOU HAD TO USE METAMUCIL. DESPITE ITS LACKLUSTER REPUTATION, FIBER IS ACTUALLY ESSENTIAL TO THE HEALTH OF YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND IMPACTS YOUR OVERALL WELL-BEING IN MANY WAYS.
Sweets • YES, YOU CAN HAVE YOUR CAKE AND BE KIND TO YOUR BELLY, TOO. ENJOY A GOOD-FOR-YOUR-GUT TREAT!
HOW GUT HEALTH AFFECTS YOUR SLEEP • SWITCHING OFF YOUR DEVICES, CREATING A DARK, COOL SPACE, AND HAVING ADEQUATE TIME TO UNWIND BEFORE BED ARE IMPORTANT FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. BUT DID YOU KNOW YOUR GUT MICROBIOTA PLAYS A ROLE IN HOW MANY ZZZ’S YOU GET AS WELL? KEEPING YOUR GUT BACTERIA HEALTHY AND THRIVING WILL SUPPORT THE PRODUCTION AND FUNCTION OF YOUR SLEEP-RELATED HORMONES, AND POTENTIALLY EVEN INFLUENCE YOUR SLEEP QUALITY AND YOUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM.
WATERMELON PIZZA 4 WAYS
THE BENEFITS OF RESISTANT STARCH • YOU’LL BE HARD-PRESSED TO FIND A NUTRIENT THAT YOUR GUT BACTERIA WILL LOVE MORE. RESISTANT STARCH, AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, IS A TYPE OF STARCH THAT RESISTS DIGESTION. THIS MEANS THAT IT BYPASSES YOUR STOMACH AND SMALL INTESTINE, MAKING ITS WAY DOWN TO YOUR LARGE INTESTINE, WHERE IT IS CONSUMED BY YOUR GUT BACTERIA.
SOURCES OF RESISTANT STARCH
Heal Your Gut • SPECIAL ISSUE
