If you’re trying to improve your digestion and reduce pressure, trying intermittent fasting may work for you. As you snack on healthier foods, you can greatly improve your gut health on a daily basis.
The good news is that there are many foods you can incorporate into your diet that will help you achieve your goals. In this article, we’ll explore these foods, and share a delicious fasting snack that will leave you feeling fuller for longer.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is gaining popularity for a good reason – it has been shown to have many benefits for overall health and wellbeing.
Intermittent fasting involves eating within a specific timeframe, such as consuming all of your meals in an 8-hour window and fasting for the rest of the day. This tends to work better for some people and can be a great way to improve digestion while relieving pressure on your digestive system.
Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting has a host of benefits, including:.
- Improved digestion
- Reduced pressure in the gut
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Reduced inflammation
- Promotes weight loss
- Improved metabolism
- Promotes longevity
Top Foods to Promote Digestion
Now that we know how intermittent fasting can help us, let’s explore food that can help boost our overall gut health:.
- Kefir and yoghurt both contain beneficial probiotics that can help improve digestion. Choose low-sugar options where possible to increase their benefits for better digestion.
- Including fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, whole grains and fruits is a great way to keep gut health in check. Aim for at least 25-30 grams of fibre per day.
- Drinking enough water is essential to keep your digestive system healthy. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily, which will help to keep things moving properly in the gut.
- Lean protein such as chicken and fish contain high amounts of amino acids, which can help repair and rebuild the gut lining. This will in turn promote a better environment for your gut microbiota to grow and develop properly.
- Omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish, nuts and seeds help reduce inflammation in the gut, promoting better digestion and reducing pressure.
- Foods high in prebiotics, like garlic, onion, and oats, feed the good bacteria living in your gut.
Energy Balls: Fasting Snack Recipe
Energy balls are a delicious snack that’s perfect to take on-the-go. They have a variety of health benefits, and since they’re filling, they work well as a fasting snack. Here’s a recipe that you can make in minutes:.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of almonds
- 1/4 cup of chia seeds
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Instructions
- Pulse the almonds in a food processor until they’re chopped into small pieces.
- Add the chia seeds, rolled oats, peanut butter, and honey, and pulse some more, so everything comes together.
- Take small pieces of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place these energy balls in a container and chill in the refrigerator, which allows them to firm up.
- Enjoy and store any extras in the refrigerator for later use.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many foods that you can incorporate into your diet to promote better digestion, reduce pressure, and improve gut health. Including fibre-rich foods, lean proteins, healthy fats and prebiotics is a great way to start.
When coupled with intermittent fasting and this healthy energy ball snack, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier you!.