January 2025

Welcome to the Gut Healthy newsletter!

Happy New Year! Welcome, 2025!

I hope your year is off to a fantastic start. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Personally, it’s not a tradition I follow. I’ve always felt that September, with its back-to-school energy and seasonal shift, is the perfect time for reflection and change.

But what about a challenge? That’s something I can get behind any time of the year! So, here’s a fun activity to kickstart your 2025: The 50 Food Challenge. It’s inspired by an article I recently came across and offers a simple way to shake up your routine. Many of us fall into the habit of eating the same meals day after day, week after week, which can limit our exposure to the incredible range of healing phytonutrients nature has to offer. This activity will help you explore just how diverse your diet is and motivate you to expand your plate with new and exciting plant-based foods.

How does it work? It’s easy! Over a seven-day period, track your meals and aim to eat the full rainbow of plant-based foods. The goal is to include 50 different plant-based foods in one week. All eating styles are welcome to participate, but for this challenge, only plant foods count. Don’t worry about quantity—every little bit matters. A sprinkle of oregano, a dash of turmeric, or a pinch of cumin all count toward your total.

Let’s share and celebrate! I’d love to hear how you’re doing with the challenge. Share your results with me—whether it’s your food list, a favourite new discovery, or a colourful photo of your meals! Email me or tag me on social media, and let’s inspire each other to eat more plants and embrace a vibrant start to the year.

Kickstart your 50-Food Challenge with this hearty and flavourful Lentil Soup. This recipe is a gut-friendly powerhouse, featuring eight plant foods you can track toward your goal—like lentils, carrots, celery, onions and garlic. Why not add a handful of spinach and top it with hemp hearts to hit ten!

This lentil soup is a nutritional powerhouse, combining protein-rich lentils with a variety of vegetables and spices to support overall health. Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fibre, and iron, which support energy levels and digestive health. The inclusion of carrots, celery, and tomatoes provides a boost of antioxidants and vitamins like vitamin A and C, enhancing immune function and promoting healthy skin. Additionally, garlic and spices contribute anti-inflammatory properties, further supporting overall well-being.

Book Comparison: How Not to Age & How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger

Are you curious about the secrets to a healthier, longer life? Dr. Michael Greger, the renowned author of How Not to Die and How Not to Age, offers two compelling guides to taking charge of your health. In this post, I compare these transformative books to help you decide which one suits your current goals—whether you're looking for practical tips to prevent chronic disease or diving into the cutting-edge science of aging. Check out how these two reads can empower your wellness journey.

Wishing you a year filled with vibrant health, joyful moments, and growth in every aspect of your life.