Gut health – it’s a hot topic these days, isn’t it? It seems like everyone’s talking about it. If you’ve found yourself lost in a maze of health advice, trying to figure out what’s fact and what’s just food fads, don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Our goal is simple: we’ll sift through the poo of confusing messages so you don’t have to.

You might have already noticed something else: gut health doesn’t need to be overly complicated (or wallet-busting). In fact, you’re probably already doing some of the essentials without even realising it. Think about it – sleep, movement, and, of course, what we eat. Easy, right?

Let’s cut to the chase. Research is now showing that what we eat plays a massive role in the little creatures living in our guts (the microbes). These microbes are crucial for our overall health, and it turns out they’re particularly fond of plant-based foods. Even better, the more variety of plant-based foods we feed them, the happier and healthier our gut microbiome (the ecosystem of microbes in our gut) becomes.

So, What’s the Deal with Variety?

Here’s the lowdown: variety is the spice of life – and the secret sauce for your gut. Why is this so important? It’s because different fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains offer different types of fibre and polyphenols. These act like jet fuel for your gut microbes, giving them what they need to create beneficial compounds that benefit your overall health.

We’re talking more energy, better digestion, improved immune function – the works! You don’t just need a couple of servings of fruit and veg each day – you need a whole range of different types. That’s where the magic happens.

But wait – it’s not just about the usual fruits and vegetables. It’s also about all those other wonderful plant-based foods. For example, nuts and seeds are packed with healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, while legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas) provide prebiotic fibre, which is exactly what the microbes in your gut crave. Whole grains? They’re another source of fibre that fuels the microbiome and helps keep you regular – which, as we know, is key.

Enter the Magic Number: 30

Now, we know what you’re thinking – 30? That sounds like a lot. But don’t panic! We’re here to help you hit that target.

Let’s take a moment to explain the magic number of 30. Research (including studies from the American Gut Project) has found that people who consume 30 or more different plant-based foods per week (yes, that’s 30 different varieties) have a far more diverse gut microbiome than those who eat fewer than 10 types of plant foods. A diverse microbiome is a happy microbiome, and a happy microbiome is the key to good gut health.

So, while it sounds like a hefty number, it’s actually achievable – and we’re about to show you how.

Top Tips to Hit Your 30 Plant Points

Ready to start your plant-powered journey? Here are some handy tips to help you rack up those 30 plant points without turning your life upside down:

1. Start with a Root Kitchen Vegan Meal Bundle – If you’re a bit overwhelmed, we’ve got you covered. Our Vegan Meal Bundle is designed to make it super easy to hit your plant target with delicious, gut-loving meals. No stress, just great food.

2. Frozen Fruit & Veg – Your New Best Friend – Not only does frozen produce last longer and cut down on waste, but it’s also often cheaper. Look for mixed bags of frozen fruit and veg – they’re a quick, convenient way to boost your variety while saving cash. Plus, it’s perfect for making sure your vegan meals are always ready to go.

3. Get Mixing! – You don’t need to be a culinary wizard to hit your target. Simply mix and match. Combine different nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, and grains – every single variation counts as a plant point. So, if you toss some mixed seeds on your salad or add a handful of frozen berries to your breakfast oats, you’re on the right track!

4. Eat the Rainbow – One of the easiest ways to add variety to your meals is by making sure you’re eating a rainbow of colours. Red, orange, yellow, green, purple – the more colours on your plate, the better. Different coloured veggies often contain different nutrients, so mix it up. Think mixed peppers, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, aubergine – you get the picture!

5. Sneak Plants Into Your Snacks – Snack time doesn’t have to be a plant-free zone. Add a handful of nuts, or munch on some dried fruit, roasted chickpeas, or even veggie crisps. Every little bit counts!

What’s in the Root Kitchen Starter Bundle?

If you’re thinking, “That all sounds great, but where do I even start?” – don’t worry. We’ve taken all the hard work out of it for you. We’ve curated the best dishes from our menu that deliver on both flavour and gut health. The Root Kitchen Starter Bundle is packed with plant-based goodness that will help you hit your 30 plant points each week – without skipping on taste. Trust us, your gut will thank you.

How to Keep Track of Your Plant Points

Alright, so we’ve convinced you that eating 30 different plant-based foods a week is the way to go. But how on earth do you keep track of how many plants you’ve eaten? Well, don’t stress – we’ve got it covered.

Here’s how you can easily keep tabs on your plant points:

1. Track it on The Gut Stuff App – Want to keep track while on the go? Download The Gut Stuff app. It’s like a digital gut diary where you can tally up your plant points as you munch your way through the week. And the best part? You can try it out for free!

The Takeaway?

Your gut health doesn’t have to be a mystery. By focusing on variety, eating the rainbow, and hitting those magic 30 plant points, you can support a diverse and thriving microbiome. With a little planning, some simple swaps, and perhaps the help of our convenient vegan meals, you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier gut in no time.

Just remember, variety is key, and consistency is your friend. So, keep mixing it up, keep feeding those gut bugs, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to gut health greatness. Bon appétit!