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The Skinny on Fermented Foods

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Last week my trainer told me that I needed to include more fermented foods in my diet…

I’ve got that beautiful belly that has yet to release some of the extra fat and step into its full potential. (Did you notice how I put a loving spin on that one? Ha!) One of best things to do, he said is to eat more fermented foods. That way my gut will be able to absorb more nutrients from my food = healthy, happy and balanced insides that don’t need to store fat.

If you are like me, this is a new concept for you. Fermented foods go way beyond just yogurt, so let’s take a little deeper look.

3 Things to Know about Fermented Foods

 

 

#1circlegreenWHAT MAKES FOOD FERMENTED?
When food is broken down and chemically converted by natural means. This can be done by lack of oxygen (think canning) or by open air processing (think cured meats). Many people eat fermented foods without even thinking about it. Think of pickled vegetables, aged cheeses, and cured meats. It is the process of aging and exposure to bacteria and yeasts.

During the fermentation process, foods like cabbage and pickles obtain millions of beneficial microorganisms and bacteria that they would not normally have when eaten raw. This process creates beneficial enzymes, b-vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various strains of probiotics.

#2circlegreenWHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Simply: Fermented foods are more nutritious. The microorganisms and bacteria born out of fermenting foods creates a healthy, happy gut. Go figure! These foods are full of enzymes and probiotics to help you digest the nutrients of the fermented food as well as nutrients from other food you are eating. Because of their powerhouse effect on the body, they will also ward off disease.

You are populating your gut with good bacteria that will regulate your hormones and metabolism. Say goodbye belly fat!

 

Not only will your body be thriving on the inside, but it will also thrive on the outside. Eating fermented foods will enhance the appearance of your skin and aid in healthy weight loss.

Our gut is basically like a second brain at the center of our body. Eating fermented foods has been known to improve your mood and also aid in depression and anxiety. How is this possible you ask? By eating fermented foods you provide your gut; your second brain, with a happy and strong environment full of good bacteria and probiotics. Your gut then produces serotonin which is known to positively affect your mood.

#3circlegreenWHAT SHOULD I EAT?
There are a variety of fermented foods on the market. However, I will say the best thing is to find a source where your fermented foods are made from local and in-season veggies or raw dairy. Or of course make your own! However, if that isn’t an option you can still find some good sources in the store.

  • Kombucha
  • Kefir Water
  • Sauerkraut
  • Pickles
  • Kimchi
  • Miso
  • Ideas for Home: Fermented Hummus, Bean Paste, Guacamole, or Granola. Get creative!
  • Look for “raw live food” or “contains live cultures” on the label of products.
  • If you just can’t rid bread from your diet, go for the sourdough!
  • If you can’t rid dairy from your diet, try kefir yogurt.

art_of_fermentation_bookPlus, one of my favorite resources for fermenting at home is from a guy from Nashville, Sandor Katz. It’s called The Art of Fermentation. It really is a fabulous book that goes into depth about the fermentation process and why it’s so vital. It is even a Winner of the 2013 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Reference and Scholarship, and a New York Times bestseller.

What fermented foods do you eat? Do you make them yourself or do you buy them? Comment Below…


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