5 Things I Eat (Almost) Everyday for a Happy Stomach
There are so many articles out there telling you how to eat, what to avoid, and what’s good or bad. The truth is, food and diet are not so black and white. I strongly agree with bio-individuality, which is a term coined by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Bio-individuality basically means that everyone has different diet and lifestyle needs, and no single approach can yield the same results for everyone. It’s all about finding what works best for you, your lifestyle, and budget.
We are constantly moving through different seasons of life which can affect our routines, change our diets, and require us to shift our priorities around. Despite my often coo-coo schedule, I do my best to keep SOME consistency in the foods I eat (even whilst traveling), because I know what makes me feel my best. Although not to forget, sleep, sunshine, good people, exercise, and pup snugs are just as important contributions to my overall happiness/wellness. But, for the sake of this food-focused post, here’s what I eat (almost) every day for *my* happiest stomach:
1. Probiotics
A healthy gut is said to be the root of all wellness, which I firmly agree with. Your gut impacts the whole body from your skin, energy, mood, immune system, hormones, and beyond. So, eating to support a healthy gut is at the tip top of my list. Probiotics are live microorganisms and are beneficial for the gut and immune system. After years of hormonal birth control (see part one & part two) it’s necessary for me to keep the good bacteria comin’.
Whether I get probiotics via pill form (I like Lovebug Probiotics) or directly from food, I always make sure to consume probiotics in some form. I am recently a big fan of Culina’s coconut yogurt which is based in Austin! It’s quite pricey but so freakin’ good. We’ve all got our priorities and quality, nutritious, real food is one of mine.
2. Antioxidants
I drink matcha daily, which is a killer source of antioxidants. Matcha is a form of green tea, except you’re consuming the entire leaf ground into a fine powder rather than steeped. It's more potent and trumps all other teas, in my opinion [WATCH: 5 Things You Should Know About Matcha]. Matcha is great for the immune system, skin, and brain function.
Another antioxidant-rich source for me are berries! I almost always have organic strawberries and blueberries in the house, which just so happens to also be a really tasty snack.
3. Dark Leafy Greens
Not only do I eat greens every day, but I also try to work them into every meal. I whip together an organic spinach salad for lunch or keep a mix of dark leafy greens to throw into my dinner. From spinach and mustard greens to arugula and kale, there's always a spot in my fridge for these babies. It’s a staple to my diet that feeds the gut and protects against toxins, and it's packed with B vitamins, chlorophyll, calcium, potassium, and fiber which are all essential nutrients.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 is abundant in salmon, grounded flax seeds, chia seeds, and avocados, to name a few. I eat all of the above several times a week whether it’s a sliced avocado in my salad, a baked salmon filet, salmon patties, or grounded flax and chia seeds in my coconut yogurt. Omega-3 helps tremendously with brain function, memory, and heart health. Not to mention, these are some of my favorite foods to eat, so it’s easy for me to work in!
5. Collagen
While some of the things I listed above naturally contain collagen, it’s worth pointing out that it is a staple in my diet for feeling good. Whether it’s good ole high-quality bone broth (here’s my favorite) or grass-fed collagen peptides, collagen-rich foods no doubt make my gut happy. As part of my daily ritual, I add two scoops of collagen peptides to my morning matcha. You can also add collagen to soups, sauces, smoothies, or wherever you can swing it since it’s tasteless and odorless. It’s a great source of protein, supports the gut, promotes hair and nail growth, and is wonderful for your skin.
There you have it! These are the goods that contribute to my best feelin’ self.
I encourage you to find your daily 3, 4, or 5 things (whether it’s food or a healthy lifestyle habit) that make you feel really good! No matter what, always be compassionate towards what life throws at you and remember each day is a new day. There are no rules. This is your life, your body, and you get to decide what it needs on your terms.
