Want to improve your digestion, immune system, and gut health? Reduce bloating and feel better by eating more fermented foods this year! It’s one very simple change you can make to improve your health and fitness.
Fit Tip #10: Eat Fermented Foods
Sure, they don’t smell so great, and to the typical American palette, they may take some getting used to. They tend to taste a bit sour/tangy, and in the case of foods like kimchi, very spicy. But once you get used to them and find ways to work them into your diet (like kefir in your overnight oats?!), you’ll love them. If not for the taste, then for how they make you feel.
These probiotic foods are created by sitting for long enough to the point that bacteria begins to feed on the starches and carbs in the foods, resulting in a bacteria-boosting food that improves immune function and digestion. The fermentation process also makes these foods easier to digest than they would be in raw form, such as cabbage (which becomes sauerkraut or kimchi). It also preserves food, making them great for anyone on a budget who hates throwing out food that goes rotten to quickly (like me!)
The items are great for toppings and adding flavor to main dishes and meats. Kimchi is a staple in Korean restaurants and households and part of the banchan, or assortment of little dishes that makes up most meals. Sauerkraut is a great addition to pork and sausages. A yogurt and kefir are great on its own or with fruit, used in baking, etc.
Fermented foods include items such as:
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
- Natto
- Kefir and yogurt
- Raw cheeses
- Kimchi
- Pickles
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Sourdough bread
- Umeboshi
You can find most of these items at standard grocery stores and health food stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts. The rest would be found at an Asian market. So, start incorporating these items into your weekly, or even daily, food preparation and meals, and see if you start to feel better and get sick less!
If you need more help getting your diet under control to lose weight and get fit, contact me for personalized help! I do nutrition coaching to help guide you toward the right diet that will work for you. [email protected]
