As busy moms, we’re constantly juggling the never-ending to-do list, from kids' activities to work and everything in between. It’s easy to feel like we don’t have time to focus on our own health—especially when it comes to gut health. But here’s the truth: taking care of your gut doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can incorporate simple, nourishing snacks that support your digestion and keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Here are some of my favorite gut-healthy snacks that are easy to whip up and perfect for those on-the-go moments:
1. Organic Yogurt with Chia Seeds and Berries
Yogurt is packed with probiotics, which help promote healthy digestion by supporting the good bacteria in your gut. To take it up a notch, toss in some chia seeds for added fiber, which keeps things moving, and top it off with antioxidant-rich berries. This combo is a delicious way to keep your gut happy and your energy steady.
2. Apple Slices with Almond Butter and Cinnamon
Apples (especially with the skin on) are rich in fiber, which is key for digestion. Pairing them with almond butter gives you healthy fats, while cinnamon adds flavor and an anti-inflammatory boost. It’s a simple, tasty snack that hits the sweet spot while also being great for your gut.
3. Homemade Trail Mix with Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, and Dark Chocolate
Walnuts and pumpkin seeds are high in omega-3s and fiber—two nutrients that your gut loves! And let’s not forget about dark chocolate, which contains polyphenols that act as probiotics, feeding the good bacteria in your digestive system. This trail mix is easy to prep and can be stored in small bags, making it a perfect snack to grab as you head out the door.
4. Carrot Sticks with Hummus
Carrots are a great source of prebiotic fiber, which helps feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Pair them with hummus for a dose of healthy fats and protein that will keep you fuller for longer. This snack is not only good for your gut, but it’s also super easy to pack in lunchboxes or munch on while multitasking.
5. Kefir Smoothie with Spinach, Banana, and Flaxseeds
Kefir is a probiotic powerhouse, full of good bacteria that support digestion. Blend it with spinach for extra fiber, a banana for prebiotics, and flaxseeds for those gut-loving omega-3s. You can also swap out the kefir for organic coconut yogurt if you prefer a dairy-free option!
With these easy snack ideas, you can support your gut health while still managing the chaos of motherhood. You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being just because life gets busy. These snacks will keep you fueled, nourished, and feeling your best!
So the next time you're hungry, skip the processed snacks and give one of these gut-friendly options a try. Your body (and your gut) will thank you!
Every year, I like to make a traditional New Year's Eve dish. According to Southern tradition, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day will bring a year's worth of good luck and/or monetary gain, so why not give it a try!?
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dry black-eyed peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 62 Ounces of chicken broth (we use our bone broth that we made with bones from chicken eaten earlier in the month)
- 8 cups water
- 1 (14.5 ounce) box of diced tomatoes
- 5 pepperoncini peppers (honestly we didn't add these and my hubby added white vinegar and some crushed red pepper to give it a similar flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- Some people add 1/4 cup of bacon, a large ham bone or pork belly to give this dish a smoky yummy flavor
Instructions:
- Place black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak at room temperature, 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse; set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in broth and water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and broth is thickened, about 3 hours.
I've been asked several times recently about how could you have bone broth hot chocolate and it taste good! I was like oh there are so many ways and promised I'd share a recipe, well here we are!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup high-quality chicken bone broth (lighter in flavor is best)
- 1 cup milk (ideally whole raw milk or coconut milk but any will do)
- 1.5 tbsp natural sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or raw cane sugar)
- 1.5 – 2 tbsp cacao powder (depending on how chocolatey you want it)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of cinnamon or cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring bone broth to a slight boil.
- Add the natural sweetener of your choice, cacao powder, pure vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk well until combined.
- Add milk and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Pour into mugs and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or add cinnamon stick, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the frothy goodness!
Combining these ingredients provides an amazing blend of vitamins and minerals that our bodies thrive on:
- Bone broth: This rich and nutritious broth can be made right at home. The longer the bones are simmered, the greater the concentration of collagen and nutrients in the broth. For this recipe, a lighter-flavored broth is best flavor-wise. We use bones from the meat we get from local farms as you know us with sourcing.
- Plant Milk: You can honestly use whatever milk you like in here, I prefer a coconut milk or a 3 ingredient almond milk from Califia brand. There is some information out there that I haven't dove into that says raw milk (sourced well obviously) has different health benefits with vitamins and minerals.
- Cacao powder: Unlike normal cocoa powder and most chocolate, cacao has not been chemically processed and roasted, which can destroy a large amount of the antioxidants and flavanols present.
- Natural sweetener: Could it truly be a hot chocolate without some sweetness? My preference is local, raw honey (yet another superfood), secondarily real organic maple syrup.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a touch of vanilla to slightly elevate the taste. Pure vanilla extract has antioxidant properties and provides a more calming effect.
- Sea salt: Adding a small pinch of high quality sea salt allows the body to absorb needed minerals more easily. Sea salt is high in Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and Sodium, which are key for muscle, brain, and heart health. It’s also so yummy in this recipe!
- Cinnamon: Ranked by researchers as the #1 spice across the globe in terms of its antioxidant levels, cinnamon has a number of health benefits, too!
Derived from recipe by Love and Homemaking
I used to think that keeping my gut happy required stocking up on an arsenal of supplements and pricey pills. Every wellness aisle and social media ad seemed to scream that a healthy gut was only one purchase away. I bought into the trend, thinking more bottles meant better health. But after years of trial and error (and some wasted money), I discovered an eye-opening truth: your plate can be your gut’s best friend.
Turns out, nature knows best. The secret to supporting your digestive system doesn’t lie in capsules or powders; it’s in real, whole foods. Think about it: your body was designed to thrive on what comes directly from the earth. When I shifted my focus from supplements to my meals, I noticed an incredible difference in how I felt day to day.
So, what does gut-friendly eating really look like? Let’s break it down:
1. Fiber-Rich Veggies: Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes are powerhouses for your gut. They’re packed with fiber, which helps keep things moving smoothly in your digestive system. Plus, fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, creating a happy and balanced microbiome.
2. Probiotic-Packed Yogurt: A good-quality yogurt is more than just a tasty snack—it’s a source of live cultures that replenish your gut flora. Those little active cultures can help support digestion, boost your immune system, and keep that gut-brain connection on point.
3. Fermented Favorites: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha might sound trendy, but they’ve been staples in various cultures for centuries. Fermentation adds beneficial bacteria to your diet, helping keep your gut’s ecosystem diverse and thriving. And hey, they’re flavorful too—an easy way to add a tangy kick to your meals.
When I started making these changes, I realized that not only did my digestion improve, but I also felt more energized. Plus, leaning into whole foods meant that my meals were naturally more satisfying and nutritious. No more endless searching for the next supplement trend—just simple, delicious, gut-friendly eats.
So next time you’re planning your meals, think about how you can nourish your gut with real, whole foods. Look at your plate and ask, “Is this fueling my body with goodness straight from nature?” Your gut (and wallet) will thank you for it.
There are so many different ways these days to get in a healthy Hanukkah meal or snack but I'm going for this fun latkes recipe - it has avocado in it which I'm a big fan of as they are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that reduce inflammation and keep you feeling full and satisfied. They’re also rich in essential nutrients like vitamins K, E, and B6, potassium, and fiber, which support digestion, energy, and overall health. 🥑💚
This healthy spin on the classic Hanukkah latke is crispy, satisfying, and full of nourishing ingredients, paired with a creamy, dairy-free avocado herb sauce. Perfect for celebrating while staying aligned with your wellness goals!
Ingredients
For the Latkes:
- 2 large organic sweet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 2 pasture raised eggs (or flax eggs for vegan: 2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 tbsp water)
- 3 tbsp almond flour (or another gluten-free flour)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil (for frying)
For the Avocado Herb Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin as needed)
Instructions
For the Latkes:
- Prepare the Mix:
- Place the grated potatoes and onion in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, onion, eggs (or flax eggs), almond flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well.
Fry the Latkes:
- Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, flatten into a pancake, and place it in the hot oil.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
you can bake latkes and I've actually done this and they have tasted good! they do tend to taste better when fried and most years I do a combination of each type!
For the Avocado Herb Sauce:
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serve:
Plate the latkes warm with a dollop of avocado herb sauce on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
