The Gut Health Doctor Megan Rossi talks about cost of living and book Eat More, Live Well

The Gut Health Doctor has revealed some tricks to keep cost of living down in a time where prices are increasing while eating well.

THE Gut Health Doctor has revealed some tricks to keep cost of living down in a time where prices are increasing while eating well.

Dr Megan Rossi from Cairns has released a new book Eat More, Live Well which answers questions about gut health with five principles including eating mostly plant based food.

Dr Rossi said eating healthy while keeping costs down could be done by doing simple things like replacing a third of mince in bolognese with a can of lentils.

“ A can of legumes is something people are a bit afraid of. These legumes are so affordable, much more affordable sources of proteins like things of mince,” she said.

29/04/2022 - Dr Megan Rossi book nutrition Picture: Nuno Avendano

“People should also buy things in season. Like if mangoes are in season then freeze it and have it throughout the year frozen.”

“Frozen veg are also absolutely good to have.”

Dr Rossi said this could all be done while still tasting great by adding a nice sauce or making sure the vegetables are cooked properly.

In a time of living with Covid, Dr Rossi said there was a link between resilience against the virus and gut health.

“People who become severely unwell with Covid seem to be missing some key good bacteria,” she said.

“We also know the stress has that negative impact on our gut.”

More about the book can be found on www.theguthealthdoctor.com

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FIVE KEY PRINCIPALS

Eat mostly plant based

“In terms of health we know you don’t need to go vegan, live yoghurt, oily fish are very beneficial for gut health,” Dr Rossi said.

Diversity all the way

Dr Rossi said plants could include wholegrains, nuts and seeds, fruit, vegetables, legumes and herbs and spices.

“Science shows if we can get 30 types of plants a week, it’s good for your gut health,” she said.

“It’s about people thinking every day have I had something from each super six.”

Inclusion not exclusion

Dr Rossi has some recipes in the book that explain you don’t have to cut out everything.

“For example my spinach and ricotta ravioli. Instead of being 90 per cent cheese, I add a can of legumes to add to the base,” she said.

Whole not refined

“For example ultra-processed vegan burgers, we know ultra-processed foods stamps out the health benefit,” she said.

Taste, pace, enjoy

“”Chewing food for about 15 to 20 times is optimal gut health,” she said.

Originally published as The Gut Health Doctor Megan Rossi talks about cost of living and book Eat More, Live Well