When it comes to a healthy, balanced meal, it doesn’t get much better than a protein bowl. One of the best parts of making a protein bowl is the fact that it’s a highly customizable meal; you can throw in practically anything your heart desires and combine a range of flavors for a hearty, filling, weight-loss friendly option. That also means there’s plenty of room to throw some gut-healthy ingredients into the mix; and, luckily, there’s no shortage of fantastic options in this department!
To discover some of the best ingredients you can add to your protein bowl to promote healthier digestion and keep your gut health in check for faster weight loss, we spoke to Ali Fiorella, an integrative nutrition health coach with an advanced certification in gut health. She told us that sauerkraut and kimchi, herbs like dill and oregano, and lentils are some of her go-t0 toppings. Learn more about the benefits of each of these ingredients below!
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1. Raw Sauerkraut and Kimchi
Adding fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi to your protein bowl is one of the best ways to not only punch up the flavor, but also keep your gut happy and healthy. Fiorella says this is because they're packed with probiotics, "the good bacteria for your gut that can have a positive impact on your health."
However, it's important to pay attention to the type of sauerkraut and kimchi you're buying if you want to reap the most gut-healthy benefits. "You want to make sure the products you are buying are raw and found in the refrigerated section because those are what contain living bacteria, as opposed to the sauerkraut you would find on a shelf," she tells us. Noted!
2. Herbs
Herbs can add so much flavor to any dish. And as it turns out, Fiorella says options like dill, basil, and oregano can also work wonders on your gut. "They have properties that can aid digestion, reduce inflammation and support a healthy gut," she raves. "Both basil and oregano are antimicrobial, meaning they can combat the growth of bad bacteria in the gut associated with GI issues, as well as cold and illnesses." Who knew?! We'll definitely be sprinkling these herbs on all sorts of meals, including our protein bowls.
3. Lentils
A protein bowl wouldn't be a protein bowl without, well, protein! As Fiorella says, "Quality protein is essential for our overall health and the strength of our gut lining." If you're sick of chicken, she says lentils can be a great plant-based, gut-healthy option. Plus, they're packed with fiber.
"Fiber feeds the good bacteria in our gut and also keeps things moving through our digestive system. It’s essential to a happy and healthy gut!" she explains. "Plus, lentils are also an easy to digest bean, so if you find yourself struggling with other types of beans, give lentils a try." She suggests cooking them in bone broth for "an added gut-nourishing protein boost." The more you know!
