Let’s just start off by accepting that there are not enough hours in the day. EVER.
That is why we are obsessed with ready-made meal kits and anything that will cut down the time we spend in the kitchen. But what those meal kits don’t take into account is your gut health - and by extension - your ablity to fight infections, to support your mental health & thrive. Your gut microbiome after all, is the epicentre of your immune system AND 90% of your body’s happy hormone serotonin.
Here’s a whole day of microbiome boosting meals in under 30min - cuz it’s never about the time - it’s about making time count.
The Colada Glow
Put 1/2 cup pineapple, 1/2 frozen banana, 2 cups spinach, 2 tbsp of hemp seeds, 1/4 avocado, 1 tbsp flax oil & 1.5 cup of water in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth & serve. Rich in healthy fibre, fats, enzymes & protein, this smoothie will make your microbiome sing. (5min)
Upcycled Leftovers
There is nothing better than taking 4-5oz of leftover roast chicken & putting it on a bed of pre-washed lettuce. Want to soothe those intestinal muscles? Add some magnesium with a 1/4 avocado? And with only one more minute you can add a bit of extra fibre & immune boosting power with some chopped pepper & a handful of cherry tomatoes. A lunch that is ready in under 7 minutes & easy to digest so that you don’t compromise your afternoon productivity.
Brain-Boosting Hugs
Season a 4-5oz salmon steak with a pinch of salt, pepper & roast it for 10-13 min at 180C. While it’s cooking, put a big pot over medium heat & add a 1 tbsp of olive oil & slivered garlic (2 cloves). Pan fry the garlic until fragrant and add a box of pre-washed spinach or kale. Stir through the garlic & cook until wilted. If you want to be fancy, zest some lemon over the top & add roasted pumpkin seeds when serving. Serve with a piece of toasted rye bread.
Rich in anti-inflammatory omega3s, this quick meal is the best way to give your gut a warm hug & your brain a boost after a hard day. Your brain-gut axis will love you!
Need help making your time count? Reach out for a free 15 min discovery call with Cristina.
Cristina Tahoces is a nutritional therapist and owner of Thrive Nutrition Practice, a global online wellness business that helps leaders be more physically & mentally resilient to stress. She shared her nutritional approach on the TEDx stage in 2017 as part of the TED Women’s Global Conference. She is a sought-after expert speaker & panelist on burnout, women’s post-natal wellness & metabolic health.