I’m obsessed with probiotics. The more I researched them for The Little Book of Thin, the more I thought that if there is a weight loss secret- this may be it. That’s actually how I learned of this cutting edge (and I do think that’s what this is) new nutrition book. Brenda Watson, author and TV personality, liked what I had to say about probiotics and now her new book The Skinny Gut Diet explains everything you need to know about probiotics.
I was really excited to read this book. If you like to nerd out on nutrition and science, here’s your chance. For example, gut bacteria are different for obese people versus lean. “Each of us has a unique balance of bacteria that protects and keeps us healthy or leaves us susceptible to disease. This same balance can contribute to either weight gain or weight loss.” However, as eager as I was as I continued reading I was grew increasingly discouraged. There’s a discussion about how our bacteria are formed early in life. The best scenario is a vaginal birth versus C-section, breast milk versus formula and few antibiotics versus frequent prescriptions. Where did I fit in? I was a formula on constant antibiotics. I didn’t know whether to call my mother or my shrink…so I kept reading praying for an answer. Fortunately there’s a lot to be done via diet and supplements to make up for my early “microbial handicap” as Watson calls it. Some key points are as follows (for full picture need to pick up the book):
- Watson talks of two key types of probiotics the L’s and the B’s. This stands for lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. The more of these in your gut the less likely you are to store fat and gain weight.
- The Skinny Gut suggests, as we do at Foodtrainers, consuming one fermented food a day. Examples are kombucha, live cultured pickles, plain yogurt with active cultures and kefir.
- Equally important are prebiotic foods, which serve as fuel for those good bacteria. These include asparagus, dandelion greens, garlic and onions (so you may need to choose weight over your breath, sorry).
- In the same section discussing L’s and B’s there’s some intriguing info about probiotics and pregnancy weight gain and even the likelihood that children will be normal weight depending on their mother’s “gut” situation. So moms to be need to think about their gut situation.
- Watson’s plan is totally grain free in the first stage (there are 2 stages). She completely kills the notion of “healthy whole grains” and feels the same way I do about gluten (blech).
- Be weary of staying on reflux meds, specifically proton pump inhibitors, long-term. These “acid blockers” allow bad bacteria to flourish. One of the side effects of the imbalance or dysbiosis (great word) is weight gain.
- And there are 4 types of supplements suggested using the acronym HOPE
H is for high fiber/fiber supplement
O is for omega 3’s
P is for probiotic (over 30 billion)
E is for digestive enzymes.
If you’ve been cruising along without thinking about probiotics and their affect on your health and your weight, this is a must-read. And because we love a giveaway. We have a copy up for grabs.
To be eligible you must:
- Comment below with your favorite fermented food (or least favorite)
- AND tweet out @Foodtrainers has a Skinny Gut Diet #giveaway with a link to this post.
Please share your probiotic 2 cents below, do you take a supplement? Seek out fermented foods? Would love to hear.
