This week we’re partnering with The Gut Stuff to talk about gut health! If you haven’t seen our Instagram, be sure to enter our giveaway live this week to be in with a chance of winning BIG - with a month’s worth of gut healthy products, a subscription to TGS’s app and our recipe book!
With gut health becoming more and more topical, it can be confusing to know where to start, which advice to follow and how to gut started with it (it was too easy). Especially given the latest recommendation that we should be eating 30 or more different types of plants a week.
Don’t worry! There is no need to panic.
Firstly, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re at the start of your gut health journey, head to our blog post explaining the very basics of gut health, why it is important to look after it and some recipes to get you going. A particular favourite being our Romesco inspired chopped salad. It uses our Wholegrain Spelt (aka our ancient super grain) and is ready in less than 10 minutes.
Secondly, it really doesn’t have to be complicated. A high impact, simple place to start is by increasing the variety of plants you eat each week.
The Gut Stuff highlighted an interesting study by The American Gut Project. It concluded individuals who ate 30 or more different types of plants in their diet a week, compared to those who ate less than 10, had a more diverse mix of gut microbes. It is now widely accepted that higher microbiome diversity (lots of different species of bacteria) equated to a healthier gut. A diet rich in plants is an easy way to do this.
Although 30 different plants a week sounds a little daunting, don’t forget this includes legumes, pulses, whole grains, nuts and seeds as well as fruit and veg.
Here are 3 simple steps you can take to make sure you are hitting that 30 plant sweet-spot:
- Swap your usual shopping list for a veg box. Not only are they great value and often supportive of local cooperatives, but also an excellent way to introduce you to seasonal, different produce you may not usually buy or eat.
- Use a shopping list. Planning your meals will make you conscious of what/how many plants you are eating and even push you out of your comfort zone.
- Make the most of your freezer. Freezer food gets a bad rep, but it really shouldn’t. Frozen food is an excellent way to make sure you always have nourishing food on hand and minimise your food waste. Have you tried our Frozen Veg & Grains pouches? They’re full of nutritious pulses and vegetables and are ready in just 7 minutes.
Want to find out more about plant variety, the gut and how to easily get to 30 plants a week? The Gut Stuff app has you covered! Become a member today and join their 'gut to get to 30' challenge. There, they'll explain the 'why', guide you with handy tips, a whole month of meal plans & recipes and more!
Plus when you join the challenge you'll be in with a chance to win BIG - getting lots of gut luvin' goodies from The Gut Stuff and Merchant Gourmet!
Not convinced? You get a 7 day FREE trial - no strings attached. What are you waiting for?
