3 Quick Things

Hi Everyone! 

Improve your health with this week’s three simple IBD tips and takeaways.

Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Little changes lead to big results. We challenge you to take one small action today to benefit your future tomorrows.

Give it a go and let us know how you do.

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Interesting Combo - Blueberry and Turmeric Smoothie

Brain-boosting blueberries and gut-healing turmeric team up to create a deliciously satisfying dairy-free smoothie. Serves 2. 

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries

1 medium banana, frozen

2 cups unsweetened dairy-free milk (e.g. almond, oat, cashew)

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/8 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup blanced almond slivers or rolled oats 

MAKE IT

Combine ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.

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A Fun Food Find - Watermelon Seed Butter

Who knew you could eat watermelon seeds?! 

Colleen stumbled upon the 88 Acres sampling booth at this year's annual Food & Nutrition Conference where they were sampling their Roasted Watermelon Seed Butter. 

Turns out watermelon seed butter is quite tasty. If we had to compare it to another nut or seed butter, then we’d say it’s closer in taste to mild tahini (ie sesame seed butter) than anything else.

Plus, it's a great source of magnesium and a good source of zinc and iron. Oh, and it's safe for someone with a nut allergy. 

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Words to Live By

"Eat foods that give rise to life." -- Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, Cardiologist & Dean of Nutrition Science at Tufts University 

This is Dr. Mozaffarian’s advice to people when they ask him for a simple nutrition rule. Specifically, he’s talking about nuts and seeds. 

Nuts and seeds are nutritional powerhouses thanks to their healthy fats, fiber, minerals and polyphenols. According to Dr. Mozaffarian, "these polyphenols have a range of effects on us, on our gut bacteria, on our livers, on our cellular functions that are incredibly beneficial as we age.”

It's no wonder research repeatedly ranks nuts and seeds among the world’s healthiest foods. 

However, those of you with IBD might not eat whole nuts and seeds thanks to their rough, fibrous nature. No worries! Process whole nuts and seeds into nut and seed butters and flours. You’ll still get the important nutrients without the gut-irritating roughage. 

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Remember, there’s no one perfect diet for everyone with IBD. If you or anyone you know struggles with what to eat with Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis, then check out our new ebook, Eating with IBD: The Essentials.Do you have a question about these topics, or something else? Just reply with your question to this email and it may appear in an upcoming newsletter.

In good health,

Colleen, Bertina & Scott