Unlock the Secrets of Your Gut Health

Welcome to the Autoimmune Freedom Weekly Digest! Let's discuss gut health, try a wonderful plant-based ground meat recipe, and explore Nestlé's new Vital Pursuit line. Happy Friday, everyone!

Food for Thought: The Anti-Viral Gut

This week, I finished The Anti-Viral Gut by gastroenterologist Dr. Robynne Chutkan—a fascinating book about the link between our microbiome's health and our susceptibility to viral infections like COVID-19. Dr. Chutkan discusses the pivotal role of a balanced gut microbiome and factors influencing gut health beyond nutrition, such as sleep, exercise, and certain medications. Highlighting how modern lifestyles—like low-fiber diets and limited nature exposure—compromise our microbiomes, she offers practical strategies for restoring gut health and bolstering our viral defenses. 

In her book, Dr. Chutkan shares her 1-2-3 rule to help ensure you're incorporating vegetables into your daily diet: at least one vegetable at breakfast, two at lunch, and three at dinner. Feel free to adapt the sequence to fit your personal preferences. She recommends consuming six to eight servings of vegetables each day, with one serving defined as either ½ cup of cooked vegetables or 1 cup of raw vegetables. 

Rebecca’s Kitchen

A plant-based ground meat substitute that’s become a staple for me is a recipe from Javant on his YouTube channel, HealthyVeganEating. I use dried shiitake mushrooms for this recipe, soaking them overnight first and then using the leftover water as part of the cooking process to simmer down the veggies. I've also started adding red lentils, which has been a great addition. I’ve used this vegan ground meat in everything from lasagna to tacos and bolognese. It’s worked out well each time. If you're looking for a versatile and delicious homemade, plant-based ground meat option that boosts your veggie intake, give this recipe a try! 

News Flash: Tailored Nutrition for GLP-1 Medication Users

Nestlé announced this week their new brand, Vital Pursuit. Set to launch later this year, this line of frozen food is designed for people on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight-loss management. By considering factors like portion control and potentially specific nutrient needs, these meals aim to complement the medications’ effects. The launch of Vital Pursuit reflects a strategic move into a rapidly growing market.

Nestlé is positioning itself at the intersection of pharmaceutical trends and nutritional science, potentially setting a new standard in the functional foods industry. This move not only meets consumer demand for health-specific food solutions but also signals a broader shift towards personalized nutrition in the market.

Reach Out!

Have questions or suggestions? Don't hesitate to reply to this email!

Stay Healthy,

Rebecca