Love Your Gut

Scrumptious gut loving soup!

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Why not try this delicious carrot and lentil soup with a kick to help get things moving. Soup is easy to make and can be prepared in advance as well as frozen for a later date. Why not try www.bbc.goodfood/recipes were there are lots of delicious recipes for you to try

Ingredients

• 2 Tsp cumin seeds
• Pinch chilli flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 600g carrots
• 140g split lentils
• 1 litre hot vegetable stock
• 125 ml milk

Method

1. Heat a large saucepan and dry-fry the cumin seeds and chilli flakes for 1 min, or until they start to jump around the pan and release their aromas.
2. Scoop out about half of the seeds with a spoon and set aside.
3. Add the oil, carrot, lentils, stock and milk to the pan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 mins until the lentils have swollen and softened.
4. Whizz the soup with a stick blender or in a food processor until smooth (or leave it chunky if you prefer).
5. Season to taste and finish with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of the reserved toasted spices.
6. Serve with warmed naan breads.

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Grey Bank Holiday

Monday, May 7th, 2012

So what did you get up to this Bank Holiday? With the wet and windy weather – I wouldn’t blame you if you just stayed indoors!

The grey weather seems to be staying for a while…so below are a few tips to keep your gut healthy, helping to boost your immune system, which may reduce the chances of you catching a cold or the flu as about 70% of your immune system lies within the gut

• Probiotics and Prebiotics – Taking a daily probiotic will increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut. This will reduce the chances of the “bad” bacteria from affecting the host. Why not also have choose foods containing prebiotics in your diet? Prebiotics are foods that will stimulate the growth of your own beneficial bacteria in the gut; foods include bananas, onions and leeks.

• Eat plenty of fruits and veg – Fruit and vegetables contribute to a healthy and balanced diet. They’re an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps maintain a healthy gut and prevent constipation and other digestive problems. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including foliate, vitamin C and potassium.

• Porridge – Eating a warm bowlful of porridge on a cold morning isn’t just a delicious way to start your day, it also helps you to boost your intake of starchy foods and fiber, which give you energy and help you feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation to snack mid-morning. Oats also contain lots of vital vitamins and minerals.

• Exercise – Regular exercise will make you feel more energetic, especially during these gloomy days, your body’s defences will also benefit. You may be tempted to eat more during the colder months. Exercising will help you manage your weight better and keep your body in shape.

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Aromatic couscous

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Tags: dietary fibre, digestion, digestive system, fibre, fruit and vegetable, good digestion, Gut Health, healthy diet, healthy food, vitamins
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Aromatic couscous

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Do you find that you don’t really know what to add to cous cous? Why not try this quick and easy, delicious gut loving recipe. The dish is ideal for an afternoon snack for the children coming home from school or as part of a pack lunch/dinner. It packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre, all of which help us keep a healthy cut.

Ingredients

• 1 courgette  sliced lengthways
• ½ red and ½ yellow pepper, cut into strips
• olive oil, for drizzling
• 50 grams butter beans
• 50g sundried tomatoes
• 50g raisins/sultana’s
• 200g/7oz wholemeal couscous, cooked according to packet instructions
• 1 orange, juice and zest
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• small handful fresh mixed herbs such as parsley, mint, basil and coriander, chopped
• 2 tbsp black olives, stones removed
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation method

1. Drizzle the courgette and red pepper slices with olive oil (do not overload).
2. Place in the oven and roast until softened.
3. Chop the courgette and red pepper into slices
4. Place the couscous into a large bowl. Add the courgette and pepper pieces and all the remaining ingredients and mix well.
5. To serve, place into a serving dish.

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How to beat those usual digestive problems!

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Feeling bloated and guilty due to eating too many Easter Eggs? By following the below advice we will help kick start your digestive health, help you get into better shape and be ready for summer.

• Don’t peel your vegetables. This will help increase the fibre content (however please ensure that they are washed properly).
• Have fibrous cereal e.g. shredded wheat, Branflakes and Shreddies. Fibre adds bulk and helps keep.
• Aim to do 30 minutes of exercise per day i.e. walking the dog, getting off a stop early, going for a walk at lunch etc.
• Always choose the ‘brown/wholemeal’ option. For example brown/whole grain rice, pasta and bread.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It encourages the passage of waste through your digestive system and helps soften stools.
• Cut down on fatty foods a good method is to grill instead of fry, that way you can still have your chips but the healthier way.
• Go easy on spicy food. Many people love spicy food and it doesn’t bother their digestive system however others find it upsets their stomach. It’s not just scorching hot foods like chillies that trigger heartburn. Milder foods such as garlic and onion can also bring it on.
• Limit your intake of caffeinated and or fizzy drinks as these can sometimes boost the acid in your stomach as well as caffeine acting as a diuretic.

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