A Gut-Healthy Meal Plan For When You're Feeling Blah

Eating for healing your digestion is all about taking it easy on your body while naturally jump-starting your body's natural processes.

Enjoy this cleansing beverage first thing in the morning to rev your metabolism, detoxify your liver, alkalize your body, and quash inflammation. It will give your gut a beautiful foundation for all the restorative recipes you'll be taking in each day.

Serves 2

Preparation

1. Put the apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper in a teapot. Bring the filtered water to a boil then add to the teapot and infuse for a few minutes.

2. Add stevia to taste, strain into two glasses, and enjoy immediately.

Just as you may prepare a bircher muesli overnight, this smoothie benefits from the same early preparation, leaving you with a deeper complexity of flavors, as they mingle while you're sleeping. If you lead a busy lifestyle, this is such a wonderful way to ensure a power-packed breakfast every morning.

Serves 1

Preparation

Combine all the ingredients in glass jar or bowl and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pour into a blender and blend until smooth.

Green beans, like their fellow legume family members—peanuts, lentils, peas, and dried beans—are high in calcium, potassium, and B vitamins but are much more easily digestible and belly-friendly.

Serves 4

Preparation

1. Melt the oil or ghee in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and turnip, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until softened. Add the green beans, and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Pour in the stock and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until beans are cooked through.

Sardines might not immediately seem like the most joyous of foods, but they're so insanely beneficial you'll be sure to fall in love with them. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids and energy-boosting vitamin B12 as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. This mash is an inexpensive and nutrient-dense meal for when you feel like a boost.

Serves 1

Preparation

Makes 1½ cups

There's nothing more soothing and indulgent than rich, velvety custard, but traditionally the white sugar and cream can leave your tummy tied up in knots. My version supplies the exact satisfaction custard should induce but free of any awkward digestive complaints.

Preparation

1. Pour the water into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Set aside for a minute or until the gelatin softens. Put the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes or until the gelatin has dissolved.

2. Pour gelatin mixture into a blender, then add the eggs, stevia, butter, and vanilla. Blend on low speed for 2 minutes or until the custard turns pale and thick.

3. Spoon the custard into an airtight container and chill in the fridge. Stir before using. The custard will keep in the fridge for 3 days.