A healthy body starts with a healthy gut. Why? Because your gut is considered your “second brain.” It’s what helps regulate your digestion, immune system, appetite, metabolism and even your neurological function – playing a role in your mood. Pretty incredible that it’s responsible for all of that, right?
Your gut contains good and bad bacteria and every time you eat, you are feeding one of these types of bacteria. As I’m sure you can imagine, the bad bacteria feeds on sugar and unhealthy fats that often cause the gas, bloating and inflammation that we all find uncomfortable.
On the flip side, the single most important nutrient that the good bacteria feeds off of is fiber which is a prebiotic. In other words, it helps feed probiotic bacteria. Thus, getting enough fiber in your diet is critical for a balanced gut in addition to probotics which is the live bacteria itself.
When most of us think of probiotics we probably think of yogurt, but we like to get more creative for our meal delivery clients!
We love this overnight oatmeal recipe which containers a powerhouse of fiber/prebiotics from the oatmeal and probiotics from the yogurt and granola. The cinnamon found in the pumpkin pie spice helps fight bacterial and fungal infections as well as an added bonus!
Who knew eating a gut-friendly breakfast could be so delicious?
Gut-Friendly, Pumpkin Probiotic Oatmeal
Ingredients:
1/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal
½ cup organic canned pumpkin
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk)
1/4 cup yogurt (look for one with active cultures)
1 banana sliced
1/4 cup Probiotic Granola (can find these at Central Market)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp fresh vanilla bean
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine ingredients in a glass bowl or portable bowl.
2. Place in fridge overnight and enjoy the next day!