Try This! New Fruits & Veggies to Enjoy

By Healthy Living Consultant Shari Steinbach MS, RDN

Did you know that most shoppers actually buy the same five or six produce items each week? If you crave something new, Buehler’s produce department offers some of the best variety around. If you aren’t exploring our options and trying new products, you may be missing out on some delicious items that can add excitement, and a wide of health benefits to your meals and snacks.

Below is a guide to a few items you may not have tried to help you venture outside of your produce comfort zone. The next time you shop Buehler’s, add one or more of these items to your list and explore other products you may want to try. To make things more fun, challenge your family to try one new produce item each time you grocery shop this month. Who knows, you may find some new favorites! And remember, eating a wide range of fruits and veggies increases the variety of vitamins and minerals you give your body to promote overall health and wellbeing.

Parsnips – Parsnips are a root vegetable packed with fiber and vitamin C. If you’re a fan of carrots this is a great product to try! They are creamy yellow-beige in color and are usually cooked but can also be eaten raw. Parsnips can be used in the same ways as carrots, but they are actually sweeter. They can be baked, sauteed, steamed, mashed or roasted and are delicious in soups and stews.

Mango – Mangos are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are the succulent, aromatic fruits of an evergreen tree.  In addition to sumptuous tropical flavor, mangos deliver nutritional value – 3/4 cup of mango provides 50% of your daily vitamin C, 8% of your daily Vitamin A and 8% of your daily vitamin B6 along with 7% of your daily fiber. Use mangos in smoothies, fruit salads, salsa, black bean dishes. Check out more recipes here and learn how to cut a mango here.

Jackfruit – This tropical tree fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, weighing up to 40 lbs. or more. A 3-1/2 oz. serving has about 95 calories and 2 grams of protein along with a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that have health benefits. Unripe jackfruit has a neutral flavor that pairs will with savory dishes and its stringy texture makes a good vegan substitute for pulled pork or chicken. Ripe jackfruit has a sweet, tropical flavor that works well as a snack or added to sweet dishes. If you’re looking for a convenient way to try Jackfruit, Buehler’s sells The Jackfruit Company recipe-ready, seasoned products.

EggplantA slightly sweet, tender fruit covered with a shiny skin that ranges in color from dark purple, which is the most familiar, to red, yellow, green, or white. Eggplants are members of the nightshade family that include the potato and tomato, which makes them technically a fruit but they are generally thought of and prepared as a vegetable. Eggplant is low in calories and fat but high in fiber. It is a source of potassium, iron and protein. Eggplant is excellent when stuffed with a variety of ingredients or cooked using one of several methods, such as sautéing, frying, broiling, baking, grilling, or slowly cooking in meat, rice, or cheese dishes and stews. When prepared on their own they are sometimes breaded or battered before cooking and can also be substituted for pasta in lasagna dishes.

Asian PearsThey are true pears, but look more like apples and they are ready to eat as soon as you buy them. Asian pears are firm but will continue to ripen, so if you’re not going to get to them quickly, keep them in the refrigerator—but let them come back up to room temperature before eating to enjoy their full flavor. Asian pears are great used in recipes or simply eaten out of hand. Their crispness works well in slaws and salads – dice and add them to chicken salad; slice thinly and toss them with mixed lettuces, nuts, and vinaigrette; or julienne and add them to a slaw. They pair wonderfully with pungent cheeses like blue or Gouda, and can be sautéed and served with pork.

 

Root to Leaf Pinterest Board

Celebrate National Fruits and Vegetables Month in September by using everything from root to leaf and in between.

How to Use Radish Greens (pin this page: https://www.loveandlemons.com/radish-greens/)

Carrot Top Chimichurri (pin this page: https://www.forkintheroad.co/carrot-top-chimichurri/)

8 Tasty Ways to Use Broccoli Stems (https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/broccoli-stems/)

Vegetarian Corn Cob Broth (https://www.tastingtable.com/cook/recipes/corn-stock-summer-cob-fresh-recipe)

Amazing Uses for Citrus Peels (https://www.thespruce.com/amazing-uses-for-citrus-peels-1708647)

Three Ways to Eat Watermelon Rind (https://www.watermelon.org/the-slice/three-ways-to-eat-watermelon-rind/)

7 Uses for Leftover Apple Peels (https://www.thekitchn.com/7-ways-to-use-leftover-apple-peels-236766)

Banana Peel Carnitas (https://sweetpotatosoul.com/banana-peel-recipe-vegan-carnitas/)

Try This! New Fruits & Veggies to Enjoy

By Healthy Living Consultant Shari Steinbach MS, RDN

Did you know that most shoppers actually buy the same five or six produce items each week? If you crave something new, Buehler’s produce department offers some of the best variety around. If you aren’t exploring our options and trying new products, you may be missing out on some delicious items that can add excitement, and a wide of health benefits to your meals and snacks.

Below is a guide to a few items you may not have tried to help you venture outside of your produce comfort zone. The next time you shop Buehler’s, add one or more of these items to your list and explore other products you may want to try. To make things more fun, challenge your family to try one new produce item each time you grocery shop this month. Who knows, you may find some new favorites! And remember, eating a wide range of fruits and veggies increases the variety of vitamins and minerals you give your body to promote overall health and wellbeing.

Parsnips – Parsnips are a root vegetable packed with fiber and vitamin C. If you’re a fan of carrots this is a great product to try! They are creamy yellow-beige in color and are usually cooked but can also be eaten raw. Parsnips can be used in the same ways as carrots, but they are actually sweeter. They can be baked, sauteed, steamed, mashed or roasted and are delicious in soups and stews.

Mango – Mangos are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are the succulent, aromatic fruits of an evergreen tree.  In addition to sumptuous tropical flavor, mangos deliver nutritional value – 3/4 cup of mango provides 50% of your daily vitamin C, 8% of your daily Vitamin A and 8% of your daily vitamin B6 along with 7% of your daily fiber. Use mangos in smoothies, fruit salads, salsa, black bean dishes. Check out more recipes here and learn how to cut a mango here.

Jackfruit – This tropical tree fruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, weighing up to 40 lbs. or more. A 3-1/2 oz. serving has about 95 calories and 2 grams of protein along with a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that have health benefits. Unripe jackfruit has a neutral flavor that pairs will with savory dishes and its stringy texture makes a good vegan substitute for pulled pork or chicken. Ripe jackfruit has a sweet, tropical flavor that works well as a snack or added to sweet dishes. If you’re looking for a convenient way to try Jackfruit, Buehler’s sells The Jackfruit Company recipe-ready, seasoned products.

EggplantA slightly sweet, tender fruit covered with a shiny skin that ranges in color from dark purple, which is the most familiar, to red, yellow, green, or white. Eggplants are members of the nightshade family that include the potato and tomato, which makes them technically a fruit but they are generally thought of and prepared as a vegetable. Eggplant is low in calories and fat but high in fiber. It is a source of potassium, iron and protein. Eggplant is excellent when stuffed with a variety of ingredients or cooked using one of several methods, such as sautéing, frying, broiling, baking, grilling, or slowly cooking in meat, rice, or cheese dishes and stews. When prepared on their own they are sometimes breaded or battered before cooking and can also be substituted for pasta in lasagna dishes.

Asian PearsThey are true pears, but look more like apples and they are ready to eat as soon as you buy them. Asian pears are firm but will continue to ripen, so if you’re not going to get to them quickly, keep them in the refrigerator—but let them come back up to room temperature before eating to enjoy their full flavor. Asian pears are great used in recipes or simply eaten out of hand. Their crispness works well in slaws and salads – dice and add them to chicken salad; slice thinly and toss them with mixed lettuces, nuts, and vinaigrette; or julienne and add them to a slaw. They pair wonderfully with pungent cheeses like blue or Gouda, and can be sautéed and served with pork.

5 Ways to Enjoy the Power of Cauliflower

By Healthy Living Consultant Annette Maggi, MS, RDN, LD, FAND

No matter what eating plan you follow (plant-forward, low carb, Mediterranean Diet, Whole 30), cauliflower is the perfect vegetable to include with just 20 calories and 4 grams carbohydrates per half-cup serving. Buehler’s offers a variety of forms – everything from riced cauliflower to whole heads to tots and hashbrowns – making it easy to add this powerhouse veggie to your weekly menus. Here are five ways to enjoy the power of cauliflower:

Roast the Whole Head: Trim and clean a whole head of cauliflower. Mix garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper into a cup of non-fat, plain Greek yogurt. Place cauliflower on lightly greased baking sheet. Spread generously with yogurt-spice mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Taco Tuesday Tortilla Take-Over: Make veggie tortillas by first cooking about 4 cups of riced cauliflower (available fresh or frozen at Buehler’s). Put cooked vegetable into lightweight kitchen towel, twist towel to remove moisture from cauliflower. Mix cauliflower with two eggs, salt, pepper, cumin and Cheyenne pepper. Mound ¼ cup scoops onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper and use spatula to flatten into circles. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-9 minutes, flip tortillas and cook for another 8-9 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite taco fillings.

Cauliflower Steaks: Trim and clean a large, whole head of cauliflower. Cut into 1-inch thick slices. Lightly brush each side with vegetable oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes, flipping once during process. Serve topped with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, pesto, or chimichurri sauce.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Cut head of cauliflower into florets. Toss lightly with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast on baking sheet at 450 degrees for 10-15 minutes, until tender and crisp. Heat ½ cup 2% milk with one tablespoon butter just to warm. Slowly add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, stirring to create cheese sauce. Toss cauliflower with cheese sauce and serve.

Global Rice Options: For Greek-inspired rice, cook and cool cauliflower rice; add chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onion, parsley, and feta cheese and top with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. As a side for Asian dishes, cook cauliflower rice with garlic, scallions, red bell pepper, fresh ginger, frozen peas, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Add Sriracha for a heat kick. For a Mexican flare, cook cauliflower rice with garlic, jalapeno, onion, cumin, paprika, chopped tomatoes, cilantro and lime juice.

 

 

The Connection between Food Choices and Planet Health

April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day around the world. It’s planned as a day to raise awareness of how all the decisions we make impact the health of our planet as well as things we can do in our daily lives to fight for a clean environment.

Did you know that one of the top four things that impacts planet health are the food choices we make? Food choices, from shopping to preparing to eating to storing, can impact greenhouse gases produced and what ends up in landfills.

Consider the following tips for celebrating Earth Day and planet health on any day of the year!

  • Buy fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is one of the most common foods that gets wasted. When grocery shopping at your favorite Buehler’s, buy enough fresh produce for the next 2-3 days as well as produce items that last longer such as carrots and potatoes. Buy canned fruits and vegetables for use in soups, stews, stir fries, oatmeal bakes and yogurt parfaits later in the week. Choose frozen options, which are easily portioned out for smoothies or quick additions to lunch salads.
  • Enjoy plant-forward meals more often. Plant-forward eating habits celebrate plants and emphasize them in meals and snacks. It doesn’t mean giving up meat, poultry and fish, just shifting the balance to enjoy more plant-based foods. Think about adding beautiful fruits and vegetables, hearty beans and whole grains, and crunchy nuts to daily eating habits. Try our make once, eat twice recipes for Plant-Powered Black Bean and Beef Blend, Mexican Lasagna, and Tuesday Tacos.  
  • Use Buehler’s Healthy Living Vegan tags. Plant foods have a lower carbon footprint, and our Vegan Healthy Living tags throughout the store help you easily find these choices and add them to your shopping cart.
  • Use the entire food item. Did you know that broccoli stalks, when peeled and sliced, make a great snack? Or that you can save carrots tops and ends, onion peels, and other trimmings from vegetables to make a great stock for use in soups and other recipes?
  • Minimize food waste. Set aside one night each week for “Leftover Dinners.” Use leftover meat and veggies to make quesadillas. Cook down fruits which are looking sad as a sauce to have on pancakes, waffles, chicken or pork. If bread has gone stale, drizzle it with olive oil, smear with a cut tomato, and warm in the oven.

Do you have a favorite tip managing food waste? Share it with us on our Facebook page.

5 Things You Need to Know about Protecting the Planet

For many of us, how our daily decisions impact planet health is just as important as how they impact our personal health. Choices we make, such as carpooling, using recyclable grocery bags, or choosing LED light bulbs, all have impact on the planet. With Earth Day celebrated worldwide later this month, it’s the perfect time to consider how our daily decisions impact planet health and what we can each do to make a difference.

#1: Carbon Footprint measures impact on the planet.

You’ve likely heard the term carbon footprint, which is a measure of the greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our daily actions. Carbon footprint can be measured on an individual, a household, a company, or a food product as it is grown on the farm and travels to your table. High greenhouse gases contribute to global warming.

#2: Certain actions increase carbon footprint.

The four biggest ways to decrease carbon footprint and to fight for a clean environment are to lower the number of people on the planet, use cars less, travel less by airplanes, and eat more plant-based foods.

#3: Small changes over time add up to big results.

Decisions we make every day, when done consistently, can add up to big impact on planet health over time. For example, with spring in the air, consider line drying clothes outside or starting a compost bin in your back yard. For more inspiration, consider our 30 Ways to Take Care of the Earth.

#4: Earth Day is celebrated on April 22.

Started as an environmental movement more than 50 years ago, citizens around the world take action on Earth Day to raise awareness of planet health. Click here to learn more about local activities that may be happening in your area in celebration of Earth Day.

#5: Buehler’s cares.

As a part of our commitment to planet health, we are featuring displays of plant-powered foods in our stores during April. The plastic bags used in our stores are made from recycled materials. And don’t forget about our plastic bag recycling bins, available at the front of every store.

Working together, Buehler’s and our valued shoppers, we can make strides in protecting the planet, environment, and natural resources.

Earth Day ideas

 

With Earth Day in April, Buehler’s is focused on ways to protect the planet all month long. Consider these small steps to help care for the earth:

  1. Choose plant-based foods more often. Use Buehler’s Healthy Living Vegan tags to guide you to plant-based options throughout the store.
  2. Shop with recyclable grocery bags.
  3. Purchase fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables to minimize food waste.
  4. Start a compost bin in your yard.
  5. Don’t discard vegetable trimmings – they make a great stock for use in soups and other recipes.

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF OF THIS CHART.

 

Act Now: Simple Steps to Healthy Living

by Healthy Living Consultants Annette Maggi, MS, RDN, LD, FAND and Shari Steinbach, MS, RD

We all aspire to live healthy lives.

Turning this aspiration into action is where the real work begins. While you’ve likely heard that it takes 21 days to build a new habit, there’s a bit more to it than that. Sticking with healthy lifestyle habits requires making these new behaviors easy for you to repeat. The actions need to be customized to your personal goals, the cadence of your days, and your personality. Sticking with new behaviors requires mindfulness and commitment. The good news is it’s all doable, and in honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re providing tips that help you create and stick to the healthy behaviors that are important to you.

Consider these tips for success in establishing health habits:

Focus on one goal at a time. While you may have a list of five or more actions you’d like to take, focusing on one at a time allows you to prioritize and increases the likelihood of repeating this behavior and turning it into part of your routine.
Remind yourself. If your goal is to choose a fruit or vegetable for every snack, put a reminder on the front of your refrigerator. If your goal is to walk more during the day, set a timer on your phone that reminds you to take a five-minute break to move.
Make it easy to repeat the behavior. Take advantage of the fresh cut fruits and vegetables at Buehler’s as a time-saving way to repeat your new produce snacking behavior. Put time to exercise on your daily calendar. Tack notes to your mirror as a reminder to take morning supplements.
Find a buddy. You’re sure to get out of bed early if your neighbor is picking you up for a morning workout. You’ll want to impress if you’re recipe sharing healthy ideas with a friend or family member. It’s also just a lot more fun to share the journey with a buddy.
Reward yourself. A job well done shouldn’t go unnoticed, and once you find yourself not even needing to intentionally think about your new healthy habit, find a way to reward yourself.

To provide inspiration as well as identify ways to repeat important health behaviors, Buehler’s Healthy Living team has curated the following ideas for our shoppers. Watch for in-store messaging and social media videos targeted at these suggestions.

More Fruits and Veggies – Yes, Please!

Half-plate habit – Make it a habit to fill half of your plate, or bowl, with fruits and veggies.
Cans on hand – Stock your pantry with a variety of canned fruits and veggies. Look for low sugar fruits that can be added to cereal, snacks and desserts and choose reduced sodium canned veggies to incorporate into soups, casseroles and side dishes.
Stocked freezer – Keep a supply of frozen fruits and veggies on hand. They have a long shelflife and you can use only what you need to help avoid waste. Frozen strawberries are great in a smoothie or frozen corn adds color and texture to your favorite chili.
Grab-n-go. Always have fresh fruits and vegetables in easy-to-grab places for quick snacks – a fruit bowl, sliced in the refrigerator, or in a trail mix.
Power of pre-prepped – Make fruit and veggies convenient by shopping the value-added section of Buehler’s produce department. You’ll find precut items for easy meal and recipe preparation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lean Proteins are the Way to Go

Go lean. When shopping at Buehler’s, choose pork and beef cuts labeled as “lean” or “extra lean.” For ground products, choose those 90% lean or higher.
Leave the skin behind. Choose skinless cuts of chicken and turkey and trim off any visible fat before cooking.
Center store solutions. While shopping the center store aisles at Buehler’s, select salmon and tuna canned in water as a perfect addition to lunchtime salads or as a high protein snack with whole grain crackers.
Choose plant-powered beans. While a good source of protein, beans also contain fiber, a combination that will make you feel full longer. With so many options to choose from (think pinto, garbanzo, navy, or black beans), beans are a pantry staple easily incorporated into quick meals.
Dig into dairy. Visit Beuhler’s dairy department for low-fat cheeses, yogurts and milks, all good sources of protein.

 

 

 

Supplements to Consider

NOTE: Your first step when considering supplement options is to talk with your healthcare provider. A supplement’s effectiveness and safety may depend on your individual situation and health.

Multi-vitamins – A multivitamin can act like an insurance policy, providing your body with the basic vitamins and minerals it needs. It can also help make up for the shortfalls that happen when you don’t consume what you need through foods.
Vitamin D – Since we protect our skin from the sun and get minimal sun exposure during the shorter days of winter, it is hard to get the vitamin D that many individuals need. Due to the increasing rates of vitamin D deficiency and the implications, supplementation is encouraged if optimal levels are not present in the body.
Fish Oil – A key nutrients many of us don’t get enough of is long chain omega-3 fats (found naturally in oily fish like salmon). Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both important for heart health. If you don’t like fish, you may benefit from a supplement.
Probiotics – These good bacteria can be consumed through fermented foods (like yogurt) or in supplements, and they help provide a healthy balance in your digestive system. Research supports the benefits of gut health to your overall well-being including immune system support.
Calcium – Calcium is important for bone health throughout your life. Although foods are the best way to get this nutrient, calcium supplements may be an option if your eating habits fall short.

 

 

Practice Daily Health Habits

Add more daily movement. Planned exercise is great but also look at small ways to add more movement into your day. Taking the stairs, parking farther away from the store, walking the dog, and even house chores all benefit your muscles, bones, joints, brain, heart, and lungs.
Get more rest and less stress. Sleep is a powerful stress reducer. Try to follow a regular routine to calm and restore your body. You’ll see positive results like better concentration, an elevated mood, and improved decision-making.
Stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated helps to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Buehler’s has a wide range of better-for-you beverages to meet your needs.
Eat an energizing breakfast. A healthy morning meal supplies glucose to your body to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing important nutrients for good health. From whole grain cereals to eggs, Buehler’s has a variety of products to keep on hand to help you assemble a quick breakfast. On super hectic mornings, pick up one of our yogurt parfaits to go!
Enjoy more family meals. Eating meals as a family provides an opportunity for everyone to strengthen family bonds and build better relationships. Family meals can also lead to better self-esteem for children and offers parents a chance to serve as role models to set an example of healthy eating and polite table manners.

 

 

 

Buehler’s is Here to Support You!

Healthy Living shelf tags make it easy to find choices that fit your healthy lifestyle. Choose from gluten-free, vegan, organic, and non-GMO products in the Healthy Living sections of our stores.
We offer Healthy Living curated selections throughout our stores, such as our refrigerated cases of functional beverages.
Check out our library of Healthy Living videos including on gut health, tips for eating gluten-free, and one-pan meals.
Each month, Buehler’s focuses on a health theme. Look for in-store recipe displays and signage and listen for our Healthy Living intercom tips.
Our Healthy Living blogs offer advice from registered dietitians Shari Steinbach and Annette Maggi. Learn how to Show your Heart Some Affection, 5 Ways to Improve Gut Health, or Tips for Gluten Free Living.

Select Seafood and Show Your Heart Some Affection

February is Heart Health Month

February is the month of love, and this includes showing yourself a little affection by adopting lifestyle habits that keep your heart healthy and going strong. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends adopting healthy eating habits, 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week, and maintaining a healthy weight as guidelines. Heart-healthy eating habits include choosing fruits and vegetables at every meal and snack, adding in nuts and legumes, opting for vegetable oils and lean proteins, and consuming more whole grains.

Seafood Helps Keep Your Heart Healthy

The AHA also recommends eating non-fried fish and seafood more frequently, ideally two times a week. Buehler’s is here to help you achieve this goal, offering a variety of fresh, frozen, and canned options throughout our stores. Consider these Healthy Living tips to add more seafood to your weekly recipe routines:

  • Try a new take on family favorites. Seafood fits perfectly into your family’s favorite meals. Try salmon burgers, shrimp stir fry, or shrimp tacos. Add canned tuna to a Caesar salad.
  • Seafood at breakfast? Crab and old bay seasoning are amazing in scrambled eggs. Try leftover salmon, pesto, and goat cheese in a Sunday morning frittata.
  • Opt for high omega-3 options. Certain types of fat, called omega-3s, are known to positively impact heart health. The best sources of omega-3s are fish like mackerel, trout, tuna, salmon, sardines, anchovies or pollock and shellfish including oysters, crab and mussels.
  • Use lean cooking methods. Grilling, baking and broiling are cooking methods that keep fish and seafood lean and aligned with heart-healthy eating habits. If Santa dropped an air fryer under your tree this year, you might want to try our Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Salmon recipe as this kitchen appliance is a great method for lean cooking.
  • Learn more. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Buying Seafood and Ultimate Guide to Cooking Seafood for your own master class.

 

Heart Healthy Seafood Recipes

Seafood = selfcare! Eat something delicious while protecting your heart with these recipes. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of non-fried fish every week for heart health.

White Fish Burrito Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

Panko Crusted Cod with Corn, Tomatoes and Basil

Pesto Salmon and Zoodles

 

Stay Healthy!

Heart disease is 80-90% preventable with a combination of healthy eating habits, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Buehler’s is here to help you achieve heart health with tasty products found in all our food departments.

Ways to Improve Gut Health

The human body is host to tens of trillions of microbes and the largest population of these live in the gut – our gut microbiota. The right balance of these healthy bacteria is vital to feeling your best every day. As studies on the microbiota expand, we are learning how closely gut health can influence our metabolism, immune system, cholesterol levels, and possibly brain functions.

The good news is there are lifestyle changes we can make that will help promote a healthy gut and improve our overall wellbeing. Understanding the effects that poor eating habits, lack of sleep and stress have on our gut health can empower us to take action and give ourselves a serious gut check. Here are 5 daily habits than can enhance the health of your gut:

Make fiber your friend

Make sure to eat high fiber foods at every meal. While all fiber is important for digestive balance, prebiotics are certain fibers that feed the healthy bacteria in your gut. Sources of prebiotics include onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, soybeans, apples, bananas, beans, and lentils, oats, flax seed and wheat bran.  Follow these tips to ensure you consume plenty of prebiotics:

    • Incorporate prebiotic fruits and vegetables into daily meals.
    • Add ground flax and wheat bran when baking.
    • Incorporate 3 cups of beans into your meals each week. Try black bean tacos, lentil/bean soup, or chili with kidney beans.

Note: Adding more fiber to your diet may cause some initial gastric distress. To minimize this, gradually increase your fiber intake.

 

Add powerful probiotics to your meals

Probiotics, the healthy bacteria that live in your gut, can be consumed in certain foods. Choose fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, kimchi, and kombucha. Look for options that contain at least 1 billion CFU of healthy bacteria like lactobacilli and/or bifidobacteria. It’s important to have a source of probiotics every day to gain the health benefits. Click here for a list full of gut nourishing options available at Buehler’s store and when shopping online at Buhlers.com.

 

Buehler’s yogurt parfaits are a convenient way to add probiotics to your daily eating habits. Visit our yogurt parfait case for a healthful meal or snack to go!

Forget the fad diets

Avoid diets that eliminate whole food groups. Diets should include diverse food choices, in moderation. Research is showing that the microbiota has a great range of needs that a diet with a variety of foods can help provide.

 

Get your ZZZZs and avoid stress

Not getting enough sleep can have unhealthy impacts on your gut health. Try to prioritize getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and talk with your physician if you are having trouble sleeping. Lack of sleep can also lead to higher levels of stress which is hard on your entire body, including your gut. Try meditation, walking, diffusing essential oils, decreasing caffeine intake, laughing, or yoga to help relax.

 

Consider supplements

Adding a prebiotic or probiotic supplement to your daily habits may be a great way to improve your gut health. As mentioned, prebiotics provide “food” to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while probiotics are live healthy bacteria. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider when choosing a probiotic or prebiotic supplement to ensure the best health benefits. Buehler’s offers a wide selection of high-quality supplements

 

Learn more: