Ferments, wellbeing, and your hard-earned money: How to protect your gut health on a budget.
Written by Jo Davies
We are constantly told about the importance of gut health and the microbiome (healthy gut bacteria levels) for our wellness - and it’s true. Fermented foods eaten regularly, can provide bacteria that helps our mental health, gut health, digestion, and boosts immunity.
But eating this healthy all the time is so expensive right?
Not at all!
Fermented foods can definitely be part of healthy eating on a budget. And it’s two-fold, don’t forget the added “cost” of poor health when we don’t eat these beneficial foods.
Take sauerkraut and kimchi. A serving is considered to be about 1-2 tablespoons. A jar of Living Goodness Sauerkraut (my local Taupo Pak’N Save) is $13.69. The Living Goodness Sum Yum Kimchi is the same price.
This works out to be $1.37 for 50g. And that’s enough for 2-3 people! Unless you are like me and count that as one serving… We spend way more on one takeaway coffee, yet kimchi and sauerkraut are brimming with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and those much needed healthy bacteria. A tablespoon (15g) makes the per serve price less than 50 cents.
Obviously making sauerkraut from scratch would be cheaper still, but seriously who has the time (I once tried it and didn’t have enough space in my house for all the fermenting bowls of salted cabbage!)
But how much do we need each day? A rough guideline is 2 serves a day of fermented foods to maintain optimal gut health. Remember 3/4 cup of good quality yogurt (fermented milk) is also a serve. You only need one other serve during the day, such as a tablespoon of kimchi, and you’ll be skipping your way to wonderful health.
If you are new to fermented foods start slowly. Try 1-2 teaspoons of sauerkraut and build up. This is a great way to introduce these foods to children too.
Add a tablespoon or two of Living Goodness to your main meal every day, stay well within your food budget, do your health a favour and boost the tastiness of your meals too. If you’re looking for inspirational ideas then check out Living Goodness website for their recipes
What a great way to invest in your health.
Jo Davies
Photographer/Nutritionist, Be Well Clinic Taupō
BCApSc, BSc | jodaviesphotography.shootproof.com
kyndwellness.com | 53 Gillies Ave, Taupō | PH: 0272740687
E: jodavies@xtra.co.nz