The festive season is right around the corner, and that only gives us more reasons to indulge in our favourite past time – eating. But when you’re feeling that bloat getting a tad uncomfortable, what’s the best way to beat it? Stop eating? No way! There are certain food combinations that are discouraged due to the way our digestive system breaks them down. Therefore, some of us with more sensitive tummies can get heart burn or indigestion easily. Allow us to introduce to you some handy food combination ideas that’ll allow you to still eat your fill, while being kind to your gut.
Quinoa, Apple and Almond Salad
Here’s an interesting concept for a detoxifying salad. You don’t always need to use vegetables to produce a cleansing effect in the body. Take the goodness of quinoa, apples, and almonds on their own and you’re doing pretty good. Get them all in one meal and you’re doing great. The quinoa will help to fill you up, the apple has its own reputation for being a nutrient-dense food and is also a superfood, along with almonds.
5-Ingredient Detox Smoothie
Antioxidant-packed berries and iron-rich kale make a nutritionally sound base for this easy detox smoothie. The ground flaxseeds in this recipe are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, and studies suggest consuming them may even help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Don’t skip the tofu either — it adds a bit of protein, but also helps create a nice silky texture. Add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt to make this feel more like a complete meal.
Raw Spicy Zoodle Bowl
Missing your noodles and need a great alternative? Here’s a comforting meal to lift your mood. Zucchini and carrot noodles are the foundation, but the rainbow of nutrients doesn’t stop there. This dish also contains antioxidant-packed red cabbage and red bell pepper, plus a bevy of other flavour-packed fresh ingredients such as celery, cilantro, ginger, avocado and sesame seeds.
Coconut Lentil Soup with Lemongrass and Ginger
This soup is a heart-health powerhouse. Lentils and butternut squash contain a healthy dose of soluble fibre, which helps to lower cholesterol levels. Lentils are also a great source of lean vegan protein, offering about 18 grams of protein per cup (cooked). Because this dish is relatively high in carbohydrates, make sure to limit your carbs for the rest of the day, aiming for around 120 to 130 grams total.
Black Bean and Quinoa Veggie Burgers
Store-bought veggie burgers can be a danger food, so we’re all about making our own at home. It’s as simple as mixing up cooked quinoa, black beans, tomato paste, egg, corn, rolled oats, flour, cumin, and chipotle chilies. Once you’ve made the “meat,” shape patties and store them in the fridge or freezer until burger night. This is a great meal option for preparing ahead of time when you’ve arrived home late from work or to pack in your lunch bag, without the hassle of racking up prep minutes.
Sweet Potato Hummus
It’s no secret we’re pretty obsessed with all varieties of hummus around here. This tasty variation gets an extra boost of fibre and beta-carotene from a baked sweet potato. Just blend the sweet potato, chickpeas, cider vinegar, tahini, olive oil, and a touch of maple syrup or agave in a food processor, and you’re ready to snack!
