Jump on this Bandwagon

Very rarely will you see me doing something trendy. It’s actually so bad that I’ll purposefully avoid something if it gets too popular. An embarrassing example of this behavior is not reading a Harry Potter book until about a year ago. But I’m breaking my own habits and fully embracing fermented foods, and I hope you will too!

To not gross you out with bacteria talk, I will simply say that fermented foods are foods that contain probiotics—and not just specific strains of bacteria, but a broad spectrum of them. Probiotics, along with the good bacteria in your gut, improve digestion and immunity, as 80% of your immune system is in your digestive system.

Now let’s talk about food.

Fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, apple cider vinegar and (last but not least) kombucha. Zeroing in on kombucha for a bit - this is a fabulous alternative to energy drinks and sugary beverages especially on a hot summers day. Kombucha is a fermented tea that is not only caffeine and sugar free, but it’s also an energy booster with its natural sources of B vitamins. Kombucha also has digestive enzymes, which will allow you to use your food way more efficiently as you’re not having to use your own stores of enzymes. Win-win!

Looking for an idea on how to incorporate fermented foods into your diet? Try my version of a Rueben sandwich…

• 3 slices of sesame garlic tempeh (cooked)

• Lots of sauerkraut (or as much as you want)

• All jam-packed between two toasted slices of sprouted bread

Jump on this bandwagon and enjoy the ride!

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Image courtesy of I Believe I Can Fly