We checked in with Splendid’s Kim Rose, a registered dietitian nutritionist, to get her advice on why you should spring-clean up your diet and reset your gut. Here's what she had to say.
In case you missed it, self-care is in. Self-care is not only important for your mind, soul and overall body, but specifically your gut. Our digestive tract, commonly known as the gut, is a major organ in the body that breaks down the foods we eat. Through the processes of digestion and absorption, the foods we choose to eat have both mental and physiological effects on the body. For instance, certain food ingredients can put us in a sky high mental state and then immediately crash us. Sugar, a popular additive in processed foods, is undoubtedly one of the most culpable ingredients. However, naturally occurring sugar, as found in fruits, is good because it gives our bodies vitamins, minerals and energy. But consuming too much sugar, especially artificial sweeteners, can give you a rapid burst of energy that disappears as quickly as it came.
Excess sugar intake has even been linked to depression (1). In other words, cakes, cookies, pies, and even some sports drinks, which contain large amounts of artificial sweeteners and/or refined sugar, are not ideal for your energy. Instead, sipping on naturally occurring sweets like any of Splendid Spoon’s fruit smoothies is a better alternative that can satisfy your sugar craving. And as an added bonus, they're high in fiber. This fiber helps control how quickly sugar is absorbed into the blood. That is to say, it won’t rapidly spike and crash your energy levels, which may be beneficial to your mental health.
Now let's consider the more physiological effects that some foods can have on our bodies. Certain foods we ingest through our gut can cause cancer. For example, a high intake of red meats and processed meats is a huge factor among the causes of cancer (2). That's right. Hot dogs, salami, and sirloin steak may taste good, but could do more harm than good if you consume too much. While there is no one food that may cause cancer in and of itself, it should be noted that certain foods can either propel towards or protect against certain cancers. Antioxidants, which are commonly found in plant-powered foods and meals, can assist the body in the fight against cancer (3).
Fruits and vegetables can be easily incorporated into breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees. And contrary to popular belief, one does not have to spend countless hours in the kitchen to prepare and eat a plant- powered meal. Splendid Spoon’s ready-to-eat plant-based smoothies, grain bowls, and soups, are all equally packed with a variety of antioxidants that taste great and nourish the body.
The gut is a built-in system of the body that helps us extract components from the foods we eat, whether helpful or harmful. In this way, the gut is a gateway to overall health and well-being. So if you’re ever dealing with a mental or physical malady, remember a plant-powered, antioxidant-rich diet could be a great way to practice self-care and give your gut a little TLC.
Ready to reset your guy? We’re here to make things easier. Get started today with plant-based meals delivered to your door, no meal prep required or head to your account.
Questions? Email us at hello@splendidspoon.com.
Author Bio:
Kimberley Rose-Francis RDN, CDE, CNSC, LD
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist | Certified Diabetes Educator | Nutrition Support Clinician
Philosophy: Let's Make Nutrition EASY!
kimrosedietitian.com
Sources:
1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5532289/
2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6123610/
3) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/antioxidants-fact-sheet