Top tips for supporting your gut this Easter

For many of us, Easter month is a time to indulge in some of our favourite treats! However, if you’re struggling with gut health issues, enjoying the festivities can be difficult without worsening your symptoms. To help you stay on top of your symptoms this Easter, we’ve compiled some top tips for supporting your gut health. Read on for the best advice on how to keep your gut healthy and happy this holiday season!

1. Eat well to stay well.

Easter is traditionally a time for family and friends to gather around the dinner table and enjoy a delicious meal together. If you’re looking to switch up your Easter meals, there are plenty of ways to do so! One way is to focus on more fibre-based foods such as vegetables, whole grains, cereal, and legumes. These foods are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, which helps keep your digestive system healthy. Not to mention, they are delicious! 

Try a rainbow menu by swapping out dishes like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese for roasted vegetables or a healthy grain salad. And instead of dessert, try some fresh fruit or a yoghurt-based parfait. With a few simple swaps, you can make your Easter meal both delicious and nutritious for the whole family to enjoy.

2. Choose dark chocolate eggs over milk chocolate.

If you’re looking to indulge during Easter, why not opt for some healthier options and try dark chocolate? Dark chocolate has many health benefits, such as being packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Look for varieties with at least 80% cocoa content for the greatest health benefits. Cocoa is a rich source of polyphenols, a great antioxidant that offers many other health benefits. 

You can also choose varieties that cover nuts or berries with dark chocolate to boost prebiotics. Prebiotics are essential for a healthy gut, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your intestines. 

Remembering that all cocoa should be enjoyed in moderation is also important. Due to its richness, dark chocolate can provide the same satisfaction as milk chocolate in a very small amount!

3. Eating slowly and in small portions

Eating slowly and in small portions is an important part of maintaining a healthy digestive system. Eating too quickly and too much at once can make it difficult for the body to break down the food and absorb the nutrients properly. Eating in small portions also allows your stomach to digest food more easily, reducing the risk of indigestion or other digestive issues.

4. Swap a meal with a smoothie.

If you’re looking for a way to give your digestive system a break this Easter, then choosing a smoothie or juice in place of one meal is a great option. Smoothies and juices are generally lighter on the stomach and easier to digest than solid food, so your body won’t have to work as hard to break down what you are eating.

5. Stick to a routine.

Easter can be a hectic time, with lots of socialising and celebrations. However, it’s important to stick to a routine as much as possible to avoid disrupting your gut health. Try to eat regular meals at set times, and keep up with your usual sleep and exercise habits.

Easter is a time of indulgence, but it doesn’t have to mean compromising our health, particularly when it comes to our gut health. Make sure to serve a variety of colours and textures, as this will help ensure that your family gets a range of nutrients. And don’t forget to include some delicious treats in moderation! Enjoy your Easter, wherever you may celebrate, and make sure to keep your gut bugs happy with a diverse range of healthy and wholesome foods.