It turns out that gut health is the root of all health: A happy equilibrium in the body's unique community of microbes promotes good health throughout the body, including a stronger immune system, better sleep, and lower stress. Despite eating healthfully, author and recipe developer Lindsay Maitland Hunt was plagued by symptoms such as depression, fatigue, incessant itching, and joint pain--until a gut-friendly way of eating helped bring her back to a state of balance. In fact, she felt better than ever before. Out of Lindsay's journey from sickness to health, and her extensive research, comes this practical and nourishing guide, with irresistibly delicious recipes that make you feel good too. Dishes emphasize plant-based ingredients like vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, and whole grains, along with eggs, fish, and some meat and dairy, if you like. Lindsay also walks you through integrating fermented foods into your daily life and reducing added sugar and processed foods. It's an approach you can tailor to your own lifestyle, whether you're vegan, gluten free, or just love to eat! Recipes cover any time you eat, from quick weeknight dinners to party-worthy treats, including:
- Seeded Almond Flour Waffles with Raspberry-Flax Smash
- Garlicky Shrimp and Quinoa "Grits"
- Special-Occasion Short Ribs with Olive Oil and Kefir Mashed Potatoes
- Parsley, Kale, and Pumpkin Seed Pesto
- Brussels Sprouts and Peanut Butter Curry Bowl
- Peanut Butter-Banana "Nice" Cream
- Plus go-to essentials (roasted vegetables, simply cooked leafy greens, sprouted grains, and more) for building meals off the cuff
Beyond the recipes, Lindsay explains what you need to know about your gut microbiota and offers smart strategies and solutions to help you navigate real life, like a new food pyramid for gut health and tips for tracking (and rewarding) healthy-living habits. Help Yourself isn't a fad diet, a detox, or a cleanse. It's a common-sense approach to food, backed by science. If you've been living with symptoms such as allergies, chronic pain, inflammation, bloating or weight gain, exhaustion or poor sleep, acne, irritability, if you've been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease--or if you just want to feel your best in your body--this book offers a pathway to wellness via the gut.