Full disclosure:  I was given free samples of products from Farmhouse Culture.  Since then, I have been absolutely obsessed with their product line. As always, all opinions are of course my own.  I also mention Siggi’s Icelandic Skyr as a part of my diet. I am a Siggi’s ambassador, but I did not receive compensation of any kind. 

Oh 2017, I am so happy you are here!  The idea of a new year brings the hope of fresh starts and exciting things to come! I’m not so into the New Year’s resolution game though.  It usually starts with good intentions, but without SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals, those lofty resolutions usually lead to disappointment and maybe that feeling of  “oh, well, I’ll try again next year.”  For 2017, I don’t want you to go through that disappointment.  I want you to SUCCEED!

Allow me to make a New Year’s goal suggestion that perhaps you haven’t thought about: GUT HEALTH.  Improve your gut health starting now by taking specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely steps!

Why should you improve your gut health?

There’s this thing called the gut microbiome that’s kinda all the rage right now.  There’s a whole community of GOOD bacteria that lives inside of all of us and scientists are finding that this community in our gut has a HUGE impact on many of our bodily functions!  The microbiome of friendly bacteria affects our immune system, digestive and intestinal function, mood function, metabolic function and even weight status. Microbiome science is still young, but more and more research is emerging constantly.

Now that I’ve told you WHY you should improve your gut health, you probably want to know HOW! My first line of attack is through food.  Not only are you getting probiotics through these foods, but you’re also ingesting important vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Foods that contain probiotics:

  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Fermented veggies/sour pickles
  • Greek yogurt
  • Icelandic skyr
  • Kefir
  • Miso
  • Kombucha

****A note about probiotic foods In order for the live cultures to remain ALIVE, foods that contain them should  be refrigerated and not heated above 140 degrees F.

 I always thought I didn’t like sauerkraut until I tasted the different flavors from Farmhouse Culture.  Holy moly, what a flavor revelation!   Their krauts, kimchi, gut shots and veggies are found in the refrigerated section of Sprouts, Whole Foods and other stores.  I’ve been dealing with loads of bloating this past year and have found that eating these fermented foods each day has been part of the equation to help my tummy trouble!

Don’t forget about our good friend FIBER!

That good bacteria in our gut thrive and grow with the help of non-digestible, fermentable fibers called prebiotics. For folks not used to eating fiber, incorporate small amounts each day.  For example, 1/2 cup beans per day is recommended.  If you know your system can’t handle that in 1 sitting, break it up throughout the day into small amounts.  Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day when consuming fiber.  If you suddenly increase fiber intake too quickly and you aren’t drinking water, you may actually constipate yourself.  Not fun.  Now, if you have a condition such as IBS or any other gastrointestinal issue, then best to talk to your Registered Dietitian.

Sources of fermentable fibers:

  • Beans, chickpeas, lentils
  • Soybeans
  • Onions, garlic and leeks
  • Jicama
  • Asparagus
  • Bananas
  • Barley
  • Whole wheat
  • Oats
  • Apples
  • Flax seeds

 

Take the first step!

 Make it an actionable goal to eat some probiotics and fiber each day.  For example, every time I eat a sandwich or quesadilla, I add Farmhouse Culture’s smoked jalapeno or garlic dill pickle sauerkraut to it.  For breakfast, I often eat oatmeal cooked with chopped green apple. At lunch time, I add 1/2 cup beans to my salad. For afternoon snacktime, I eat one 5.3 ounce Siggi’s Icelandic skyr.  Those are just a few of examples of how I incorporate probiotic and prebiotic foods into my daily routine.  Experiment with different products, see what you like and incorporate them daily.  Your gut will thank you and you’ll be feeling great!

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Showing 24 comments
  • Abby
    Reply

    I love this! Be kind to your gut! Will share this with all my clients.

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks so much Abby!

  • Marie
    Reply

    Great post with good information! The sauerkraut reminds me of the kind my mom used to make so long ago – definitely fermented – and tasted so much better than anything you can buy off the shelf.

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      That’s awesome that your mom made sauerkraut! Definitely better than the typical jarred stuff!

  • shahzadi devje
    Reply

    Great post, with lots of wonderful ideas and tips!!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks so much Shahzadi!

  • Jodi @ Create Kids Club
    Reply

    Love these ideas all in one spot. I make an effort to add in those fermented foods and love that there is different flavored sauerkraut on the market now. It’s really good!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      That’s great jodi! So glad you incorporate these foods into your diet!

  • katie
    Reply

    I got on the fermented food train last year and I love those Farmhouse Culture products.

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      I know! they’re sooo good!!

  • Lauren O'Connor
    Reply

    Yes, Gut Health is important ~ I’m sure to be including Kefir, Greek yogurt, Kimchi, Kombucha (a fav) and with soup being so appealing with this chilling winter weather – Miso in my diet. : )

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      yes, Miso soup sounds so good right now!! thanks Lauren!

  • Christy Brissette
    Reply

    I want to try those gut shots! Clever name 🙂 Great post!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      I really like the gut shots! But, you can also drink the leftover liquid from the sauerkraut bag as a gut shot too!

  • Sara haas
    Reply

    So happy that these foods are getting the attention they deserve! Not only are they great for gut health, but they add so much unique flavor! Great post.

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      You are absolutely right Sara! Thanks for the comment!

  • Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago
    Reply

    Thanks so much for sharing this – what a great resource for fermented foods all nicely compiled!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks so much Kathryn! I really appreciate!

  • Mandy Enright
    Reply

    Love this! It’s all about guts in 2017. And the Farmhouse Culture is amazing – I loved trying it at FNCE! I’ve been keeping an eye out for it in my local stores.

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Hopefully farmhouse culture will show up in your neck of the woods soon!

  • ADRIEN PACZOSA
    Reply

    Love this!! A happy gut is a healthy gut!!

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Adrien! Love it!

  • Serena
    Reply

    Love your little gut graphic guys! Great post.

    • TastyBalance
      Reply

      Thanks Serena!

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