We’re all back now after a season of celebrating with family and food. Lots of food! I love eating (you can tell!) but after a while, it takes it’s toll and then it’s time to take control again. Like I said last week, the new year provides us with a good opportunity to reset.
Did I mention that your digestion would like a chance to reset as well?
Here’s some great tips from our dear friend, Sarah, who with her hubby, Peter are the founders of The Seasonal Diet. Together, they help people transition to plant-based and healthy lifestyle. Sarah’s my hero, because she’s proof that it’s possible to take control of your life and make changes. She’s not judgmental, but just super positive and offers great practical advice for going plant-based and eating healthy.
Sarah & Peter enjoying life together
Okay, here’s her tips!
Today I wanted to share a few tips you can implement no matter what you’re eating, how accommodating your family is, or where you’re going. I’ve got you covered 🙂
- Start your day with warm lemon water. This is one of the most hydrating and detoxifying ways you can start your day. If you don’t have a lemon you can use a lime, or even a little apple cider vinegar. But gets some lemons and keep them in the fridge at all times 🙂
- For optimal digestion, I recommend you eat your meals from light to heavy. I know this is different from what you may have been taught, but this way quick ‘Quick Exit Foods’ never get stuck behind ‘Slow Exit Foods’. Think of your digestive system as a skinny tube – you don’t want that tube to get clogged early on. By eating your meals from light to heavy, you keep the food flowing freely – from north to south. This would look like: Green Juice or Smoothie for breakfast, Salad for lunch, holiday dinner. If you know you’re going to have something that’s harder to digest, have it towards the end of the day.
- Eat fruit alone on an empty stomach, or mixed with green vegetables. Fruits digest fairly quickly, and are best consumed by themselves. If you finish your dinner and need a snack, I don’t recommend fruit. Instead have some tea or a little more of what you had for dinner.
- Go easy on the grains and animal products as those lead to constipation. If you know you’re going to be eating a bread bowl of soup for dinner, I’d skip the breakfast cereal, granola bars, and crackers on that day.
- Get up and move. I recommend scheduling a walk into your day. Even if you have to do it once it’s dark just make sure to bundle up. And, also be aware of how much you’re sitting. Do some laps around the house, help with clean up, whatever you can do to get off your booty 20-30 minutes after eating is going to help your food digest a lot smoother.
- In your purse or man bag: make sure you have your water bottle & peppermint tea. If you’re going to be away from your house, make sure you bring a good size water bottle and some peppermint tea. 30-60 minutes after your meal is the best time to drink a hot cup of peppermint tea – which aids in digestion and decreases gas & bloating. I always carry a few tea bags in my purse as someone else always seems to want a mug once I tell them about the amazing health benefits.
- Another note on water… I recommend you avoid drinking water, alcohol, or anything with your meals. This little shift made such a big difference for me. I was so used to washing everything down with soda, and then water, because I thought I needed it. But little did I know it was actually hurting my digestion. When you drink liquid during your meal, you dilute your naturally occurring digestive enzymes & stomach acids – which makes it harder to breakdown and digest your food. If you can’t go without water, take small sips and avoid ice cold water, go for room temperature.
- And, if you know me, you know I can’t share digestion tips without talking about ALOE 🙂 Aloe Vera juice can be taken internally to help with digestion + constipation, it’s loaded with vitamins and nutrients that help sooth and reduce inflammation. You know I’ll be taking a shot before bed when we get home tonight 😉 All you need is 1-2 ounces.
These are really practical tips, don’t you think? Maybe just start incorporating one of them into your daily routine, you’ll experience benefits!
Also…if you’re already getting a farm box, you’ll have most everything on hand to keep your tummy happy all week long.
If you currently aren’t getting a box, why not?? It’s convenient, healthy food that supports our local farms. Eating well while doing good! What’s better than that?
Choose from a subscription or a build a box. Get your order in by Sunday evening and have it waiting at your doorstep next Wednesday (for south of the 56) or Thursday (for north county)!
I’ve started back doing a green drink in the morning and came up with a killer recipe that I’m enjoying. It keeps me full and my blood sugar even till lunch…all without protein powder or store bought nut milk. Check out the green juice smoothie recipe here.
Thank you for supporting local farming! You’re the best!!