Food Combining for Good Digestion and Clear Skin

Food Combining: Healthy Eating for Good Digestion and Clear Skin

Food Combining: Healthy Eating for Good Digestion and Clear Skin

We’ve all heard about the importance of a “balanced diet”, with foods from the four food groups. We’ve also heard that we need to drink plenty of water every day. Now, the concept of “food combining” has become the new mantra for healthy eating and good digestion. The gist of the theory is that it’s not only what you eat but how you pair your food choices and water intake. The good news is that none of the recommendations are dangerous. Also, food combining may be a blessing if you have digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Not only that, but your skin may take on an extra glow. And there’s really no bad news! Why not try the principles of food combining to find out if your feel more energized and less bloated? We’re betting that you will! Click through for the rules of food combining:

Team up Protein Foods with Non-Starchy Veggies

Team up Protein Foods with Non-Starchy Veggies

Protein needs an acidic environment in order to be properly digested. That’s the reason eating protein with starches is a bad combination. Instead, choose vegetables with high water content including asparagus, peppers, celery, broccoli, and leafy greens. None of these needs an alkaline environment for good digestion. Why not try salmon with broccoli or chicken with cauliflower? Tasty and good for you! Tip: Plant proteins such as soy follow the same recommendations as animal proteins.

Enjoy Fruit by Itself

Enjoy Fruit by Itself

Fruit digests faster than other foods so you’re better off having that crisp apple or succulent strawberries all by themselves, and definitely not after a meal. That way, the fruit won’t ferment in your digestive tract and feed bacteria. The exception is that you can have fruit along with leafy greens since they are mostly water. In fact, leafy greens and non-starchy veggies pair perfectly with everything. Another exception is that you can indulge in smoothies because the process of blending has the effect of pre-digesting the ingredients.

Serve Starches with Good Fats and with Vegetables

Serve Starches with Good Fats and with Vegetables

The newly popular quinoa as well as that old favorite, brown rice, go well with starchy veggies such as sweet potatoes and squash and also with beans and legumes, which have both protein and starch, but mostly starch. Examples of what you might combine are quinoa and a baked potato or brown rice and veggies.

Drink Water, but Not Cold Water with Meals

Drink Water, but Not Cold Water with Meals

Your best bet is to sip water at room temperature with your meals rather than downing ice cold water while you’re eating, which can make your digestion sluggish. When eating out, ask the waiter to bring you water with no ice. In addition, drink plenty of water between meals. Add a squeeze of lemon for even better digestion. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in your lemon water boosts digestion even more.

Simple Meals Are Best

Simple Meals Are Best

The fewer ingredients on your plate, the better. Be a minimalist when it comes to preparing meals and your tummy with thanks you for it, as will your energy level! The general rule of thumb is to choose a protein source and add leafy greens or non-starchy vegetables – but not fruit! Perfect examples are a spinach omelet or veggies on whole grain bread.

Spices, Herbs, and Citrus Are Always Allowed

Spices, Herbs, and Citrus Are Always Allowed

Food has to taste good, of course, and that’s where spices and herbs come to the rescues! Stock up on turmeric, ginger, mustard, garlic, and curry powder to literally spice up your meals. Citrus fruits including lemons and limes are also neutral, so use them to make your food combined meals delicious.

Here’s to Your Health!

Here’s to Your Health!

Now you know the simple rules of food combining. Follow them at home or when you’re eating out, and you’ll no doubt feel better than you ever imagined!

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