Gut Health

GUT HEALTH

Compounds which promote gut health encourage digestion and metabolism. They promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.

Recipes that promote gut health are below.

To learn more about a healthy gut, click the icon.
July 30, 2022

Tokyo Garlic-Miso Vegetables

Roasting vegetables is one of the easiest ways to add more nutrient-dense foods to your diet. This dish’s blend of summer and year-round produce is tossed in an immune-boosting garlic miso sauce for added nutrition and delicious flavor. Miso is a thick paste made from fermented soybeans. Sometimes called miso paste or miso soybean paste, it can be found in any Asian grocery, or in the international section of mainstream grocery stores. You can use either white (mild) or red (stronger) miso. In Tokyo, they prefer the stronger red or brown varieties. Benefits: Miso is high in protein and rich […]
July 30, 2022

North African Freekeh

Ancient grains are trending, so you have probably heard of the roasted young (green) wheat called freekeh (pronounced free-kuh). This grain and the dishes made with it are from North Africa. In this recipe, I’ve combined it with savory garlic, fresh lemon, mint, sweet dates and nourishing chopped kale for a well-rounded side-dish full of flavor. Freekeh can be found in Whole Foods and other health-food stores or online. Benefits: Freekeh is packed with fiber and protein, so it will keep you full and satiated for hours. It also has vitamin B for energy, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and manganese […]
June 12, 2022

Delicious Mango Tapioca Pudding

A delicious variation on traditional tapioca pudding, this tropical dessert recipe is vegan but creamy and satisfying all the same.
May 31, 2022

Grilled Artichokes With Moringa Dip

In this tasty appetizer, I pair moringa–which is loaded with strength-building protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and potassium–with artichokes, which add lutein for eye health and fiber for gut health. I like to steam the artichokes first and finish them on the grill, but you can omit this step to save time. Add other grilled vegetables such as red bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus to expand on this delicious party food. SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 4 artichokes, trimmed and steamed for 30 minutes 2-3 Tbs. olive oil 1 cup olive oil mayonnaise 1 Tbs. finely chopped red onion 1 […]
April 22, 2022

Exotic Fruit Salad with Granola

  My recipe for Exotic Fruit Salad, which is featured in my new cookbook – The Age Beautifully Cookbook — is a protein-packed, vitamin-filled way to grab a healthy snack or start your morning. You can add spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice (about ⅛ tsp. each), and nuts. Instead of exotic fruits you can use grapes, blackberries, strawberries, and/or bananas. The Omega-3 fatty acids in the flaxseeds are great for your arteries and heart. Oats and fiber are both known to reduce cholesterol. The exotic fruits in this recipe are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps […]
February 12, 2022

Tomato Soup With a Tempeh Twist!

Savory, soothing tomato soup gets a protein kick by adding tempeh, a fermented soy product with a firm and meaty texture. Some people do not care for the squishy texture of regular tofu, preferring tempeh instead. A product that crumbles directly into this soup and cooks along with it, tempeh adds the unexpected benefit of probiotics for gut health and protein. Cooked tomatoes offer a heart-healthy punch of the antioxidant lycopene. With plenty of flavorful herbs and spices, consider this tomato soup when you need a simple, healthy dish. SERVES 6 Ingredients 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 large yellow onion, […]
January 26, 2022

Maple Herb Roasted Tofu

If you think tofu always lacks flavor, you have to give this sweet, savory, and herbaceous soy-based holiday entree a try. A simple blend of oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and tamari or soy sauce combine to create a flavorful entree that’s wholly worthy of a coveted spot on your holiday table. The added aroma from fresh, wintry herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage is just a bonus. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love this comforting and festive main dish! The tofu provides plant-based protein for strength while the vinegar and tamari promote gut health. Rosemary boosts brain power. […]
January 12, 2022

Coconut Chai Oatmeal

  Lighten up your oatmeal and create a new breakfast ritual with flavorful chai and coconut blended with nutritious cholesterol-lowering whole oats. If you think that whole rolled oats take too  long to make, think again! Instant oats lack the amount of gut-friendly fiber found in unprocessed oats, so finding an easy way to prep the whole version is important. A favorite flavor generally added to oats is classic brown sugar or maple syrup which can equal a lot of added sugar to your morning. By using ripe bananas and vanilla extract, this dish is naturally sweet and quick to […]
October 6, 2020

Homemade Stir-Fry Sauce

Have you ever read the ingredients on a bottle of prepared sauce?  Full of corn syrup, caramel color and artificial flavoring, these products can irritate the body leading to inflammation and sluggish energy. If you need a simple clean-eating stir-fry sauce that is quick to make at home, create your own sauce rather than ingesting all that sugar and preservatives in a bottled product. Home-made sauce provides brighter flavors to your dish and gut-healthy properties thanks to the fermented soy sauce and vinegar. Choose fresh herbs and spices for added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants in your sauce. Ingredients 1/3 cup low […]
September 8, 2020

Cherry Barbecue Tempeh Sandwich

Tempeh is a traditionally Asian fermented plant-based protein source made from whole soy-beans. Because of the fermentation process, tempeh also contains beneficial probiotics. With a meat-like texture, tempeh is a hearty substitute for meatless meals and pairs well with many flavors due to its own mild, slightly nutty taste. Try it with my homemade cherry barbecue sauce, a lower sugar and preservative-free alternative to store-bought versions. Yields 4 Sandwiches Ingredients For The Sauce 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted 6 oz. tomato paste 2 garlic cloves ½ cup water 1 tsp. fresh orange zest 2 Tbs. fresh orange juice 1 Tbs. […]
August 4, 2020

Mint Agave Tonic

The inspiration for this drink comes from the Cuban mojito. My nonalcoholic version uses sparkling water. Mint leaves aid digestion. The vitamin C in limes is a great immunity booster. For a stronger mint flavor, use more mint leaves. Serves 2 Ingredients 2 small bunches fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup lime juice 4-8 tsp. agave nectar 2 1/2 cups sparkling water crushed ice (optional) Procedure 1. Place 5–7 mint leaves in each of 2 tall glass. Bruise the leaves with a cocktail muddle, the handle of a wooden spoon, or the tines of a whisk to help them release their fragrant oil. […]
May 19, 2020

Pineapple Black Bean Salsa

Party food can most definitely be colorful, delicious, and healthy at the same time. This pineapple black bean salsa is a perfect example. Pineapple, beans, avocado, and other nutrient-dense ingredients combine to create a festive dish that promotes optimal energy levels, digestion, and wellbeing. This dish is also versatile. Try serving it with tortilla chips as an appetizer or use it as a sweet and spicy topping for grilled tofu or fish. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit at your next summer barbecue. Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 pineapple, peeled and diced (about 2 ½ cups) 1 ¼ cups […]
April 26, 2020

Refreshing Papaya Relish

This refreshing relish will help boost your immune system and keep your skin young and elastic. Papaya is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. It’s also high in potassium. Certain enzymes in papaya aid digestion. I use this salsa on grilled meats and fish, such as my Grilled Swordfish in Secret Marinade, and it’s also delicious as an appetizer with whole-grain chips. YIELDS about 4 cups Ingredients 2 cups cubed papaya, ripe but still firm ¼ cup seeded and chopped red bell pepper ¼ cup chopped red onion 1 tsp. minced garlic ½ […]