Videos by Dr Megan Rossi. ✨ Transform your gut, transform your life 🔬 Gut health expert (scientist, dietitian, nutritionist)
Got some fussy eaters on your hands?🥦
As a mum of two and practising dietitian for over a decade, I know first-hand the pressure and challenges of nourishing our little ones. Especially as studies repeatedly show that feeding their gut microbes supports growth and development.
Kids will always go through phases where they’ll reject certain foods, and that’s totally normal.
But, I wanted to share some tried and tested tactics that have not only helped my own family but many others that I’ve worked with.
It’s about teaching them to be a ‘good pet owner’ to the little community of pets living in their gut.
So, while your kids may not like broccoli for example, they’ll learn that their little pets do. And if they can eat these polyphenol-rich veggies, they’re caring for and making their little pets happy. It works surprisingly well!
It takes less than 30 days for their taste buds to change and adapt. So, the more exposure they get through methods like this, the more your kiddies will start to accept (and dare I say enjoy) these plant power houses.
Takehome...
🥗 If your children are too old for this ‘little pets’ concept or don’t buy into it, I’m a big fan of hiding plants in their meals to help increase their diversity without them even realising it. Try blending fruits, veggies, beans, pulses, etc. into meals. Over time, this can change their taste buds and oral microbiome, and studies have shown they can actually become more plant accepting. When you’re feeling more confident, you can then show your kids what you’ve been adding to help inform their choices as they get older.
🥗 Make things taste as good as you can while their tastebuds learn to love plants - plants don’t have to (and shouldn’t!) taste boring - grate in cheese, oven roast with olive oil etc.
🥗 If you’re still struggling, hang in there. Research tells us that repeat exposure to a particular food (8-10 times) can mean that a toddler aged 4-24 months is
Got some fussy eaters on your hands?🥦 As a mum of two and practising dietitian for over a decade, I know first-hand the pressure and challenges of nourishing our little ones. Especially as studies repeatedly show that feeding their gut microbes supports growth and development. Kids will always go through phases where they’ll reject certain foods, and that’s totally normal. But, I wanted to share some tried and tested tactics that have not only helped my own family but many others that I’ve worked with. It’s about teaching them to be a ‘good pet owner’ to the little community of pets living in their gut. So, while your kids may not like broccoli for example, they’ll learn that their little pets do. And if they can eat these polyphenol-rich veggies, they’re caring for and making their little pets happy. It works surprisingly well! It takes less than 30 days for their taste buds to change and adapt. So, the more exposure they get through methods like this, the more your kiddies will start to accept (and dare I say enjoy) these plant power houses. Takehome... 🥗 If your children are too old for this ‘little pets’ concept or don’t buy into it, I’m a big fan of hiding plants in their meals to help increase their diversity without them even realising it. Try blending fruits, veggies, beans, pulses, etc. into meals. Over time, this can change their taste buds and oral microbiome, and studies have shown they can actually become more plant accepting. When you’re feeling more confident, you can then show your kids what you’ve been adding to help inform their choices as they get older. 🥗 Make things taste as good as you can while their tastebuds learn to love plants - plants don’t have to (and shouldn’t!) taste boring - grate in cheese, oven roast with olive oil etc. 🥗 If you’re still struggling, hang in there. Research tells us that repeat exposure to a particular food (8-10 times) can mean that a toddler aged 4-24 months is
Don’t get me started on food intolerance tests... 😡 Whether it’s based on hair analysis, IgG in blood or muscle movements (aka kinesiology)... not only do these tests lack scientific rationale, but they have been shown to be inaccurate and unreliable in published studies. And this isn’t just my review of the science, these tests have been discredited by many National Immune Health Associations too. I’ve seen them cause big problems for people who come into my clinic. Many people restrict their diet so significantly to avoid foods they have been misled into thinking are harmful. If this is you, it’s not your fault, you are the victim here - these tests should not be allowed to exist! The only way to confirm food intolerances is through the 3 R method (with the exception of lactose intolerance, there are valid blood and breath tests). Check the video from BBC’s Con or Cure for a breakdown of this 👆 Please do share with others who might be at risk of being misled. #intolerancetesting #foodintolerances #lactoseintolerance
Do you worry when you see a floating poop in your loo? Here I share when I recommend to look into this 💩. Remember never TMI around here 😉. #poo #poop #poohealthy #digestive #digestivehealth #digestivesystem
I agree with all except for the last explanation… This is often the case, good science mixed in with unhelpful myths. I know advice like this generally comes with good intentions, but it’s a timely reminder to check for qualifications and not believe everything you hear. What do you think?👇 #mythbusting #health #guthealth #healthylifestyle #nutritiontips #guthealthmatters #wellness
“Can you overdose on fermented foods and drinks?” Check out my response to this great question. If you sometimes struggle from bloating or altered poops then you’ll want to watch 🌬️. Let me know if you have any other gut health questions you want me to tackle next? 👇 #fermented #fermentedfoods #fermenteddrinks #fermentedtea #fermentedveggies #fermentedpickles
NEW recipe! My go-to when I get a sense a cold or flu might be coming... No fads here, or claims to ‘boost’ immunity (which would actually be a negative thing as would mean an overactive immune response). Just my immunity soup with diverse dietary fibres and phytochemicals that have been shown to support immune function, have anti-inflammatory effects and nourish your gut bacteria 🍲. 👩🏼🍳 You’ll need (4 servings): 2 tbsp extra olive virgin oil 200g frozen sofrito mix (or mix of onion & celery) 2 leeks, sliced 2 medium carrots, sliced 150g mushrooms, halved (we used button) 3 garlic cloves, grated 1 thumb sized piece of ginger, grated ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp black pepper 150g baby tomatoes 1 x tin of butter beans 800ml vegetable stock 250g chicken, shredded (we used precooked chicken) 150g frozen peas To serve 40g walnuts, crushed (optional) Handful of fresh parsley or coriander (optional) @bioandmeuk kefir live yoghurt original (or yoghurt of choice) Check the comments for the step-by-step method 👇. #soup #souprecipe #immunity #immunitysupport #guthealth #soupseason
Blending fruit and veg destroys the fibre and increases the GI. True or false? Check out my response + the research showing its impact on the glycaemic index. In the lab, I’ve verified the impact of blending under the microscope 🔬. PLUS my watchout when buying premade smoothies 🍏. I wonder, has this changed any of your smoothie preconceptions? #smoothie #smoothies #fruit #blending #vegetables
Move over chia seeds and tiktok’s ‘internal shower’ recipe... check out the science-backed ingredient that I pack to keep things ‘moving’, especially when travelling! ✈️ Do you have any hacks to keep your bowels regular?👇
Trust me it’s a thing... First described in a medical journal in 1993, I’ve seen it play out in clinic as a sneaky unsuspecting trigger of bloating. Although we’re often quick to blame specific foods, it’s certainly not always the case. Check out this lifestyle trigger and a solution that doesn’t involve throwing all your lycra in the bin 😉. Want more bloating tips? I’ve written a new blog covering the ‘7 science-backed things to know about bloating’ coming in tomorrow’s FREE monthly newsletter, hit the link in bio to join ✨. My thoughts on the Low FODMAP diet for bloating, including research from our King’s College London team, below👇.
A concerning trend… After receiving so many messages about the viral recommendation to drink AT LEAST three cups of coffee a day, I had to address it. Does the science really support drinking this much coffee? Watch for why this isn’t for everyone AND while I obviously respect advice from professors in their field, it doesn’t make someone a blanket expert 🔎. Takehome: It can be dangerous applying observational research to real life and as a generic approach for everyone. Have you seen any other dietary or gut health advice on social media that you would like me to tackle? 👇 #coffee #coffeetime #guthealth #guthealthmatters #gythealthiseverything #guthealthdiet #healthygut
What’s your gut thing? Wondering how you can proactively support your gut health to have a positive impact on other areas of your health and wellbeing? 💛 ad. I’ve joined forces with @hollandandbarrett to encourage you to think about one small change you can make this new year. So here are my top 5 science-backed tips to inspire Your Gut Thing. 1️⃣ Feast on fibre. In the UK most adults are only getting around 20g of fibre yet UK guidelines recommend 30g. Top up, not just with greens, but also berries, oats, chia seeds, lentils and even dark chocolate count too. 2️⃣ Plants, plants and more plants! One study found that people who ate over 30 different plant-based foods a week had more diverse gut microbes than people who ate 10 or less. 3️⃣ Experiment with fermented foods. Research from Stanford university found that a diet high in fermented foods was linked with lower markers of inflammation and great microbes diversity. 4️⃣ Look after your gut:brain connection. Several trials have shown that non-diet approaches to target the gut:brain connection, including gut-directed yoga flow (even if interrupted by your furry pets ) can improve digestive symptoms like bloating. 5️⃣ Enjoy mindful eating. When it comes to good gut health, it’s not just about what, but how we eat too, for example increasing your number of chews can help increase absorption of beneficial nutrients. To benefit from 20% off the new H&B food range which spotlights plant points, and more, head to hollandandbarrett.com and use MEGAN20 until midnight 23 January. For UK & ROI, qualifying products only and subject to availability. So, what will be your gut thing this year? ✨👇 #MyGutThing #Myhb
Do you get down in January 🥺? Here are 4 science-backed tips to help you perk up... 1. Turn on the light 💡: research has shown that bright light exposure can leave people more alert and in a better mood in the afternoon. 2. Walk immediately after eating 🚶🏽♀️: this encourages the muscles to take in blood sugar, as well as diverting more blood to the organs not involved in digestion, so helping you to feel more energised. 3. Avoid caffeine after midday ☕: even found in dark chocolate and tea, afternoon caffeine can make you more sleepy overall. 4. Prioritise complex carbs 🌾: if you’ve got into the habit of grabbing for white rice, bread and pasta, try switching to chickpeas, butter beans and quinoa, your gut:brain axis will thankyou. Which of these tips are you keen to prioritise? #theguthealthdoctor #guthealth #januaryblues #january #bluemonday #energy
To celebrate Christmas, I’ve got two festive treats for you: 1. Gut-loving bundle, including both my books and a big bundle of @bioandmeuk 🧑🏻🎄. To enter, simply tag a friend who deserves some gut-loving goodness in their life and you’ll both go into the draw 🎁👇. 2. Plant-loaded festive recipe 🤤. Worried your gut health is neglected with all the festivities? Well these stuffed butternut squashes deliver over 17 plant points, plus all of your Super Six: vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds and herbs and spices. Let plants be the hero dish this Christmas! For all the recipe info, use the link in bio or head to www.theguthealthdoctor.com/recipes. They’re all free to use! Good luck with the competition and remember to like & tag a friend ✨👇. T&Cs: Competition ends 21/12/23 at 6pm GMT. One winner will be selected at random and contacted via DM. Due to shipping constraints of food, we can sadly only send bundles to the UK mainland only, age 18+.
Are you vulnerable to festive flare-ups 🎄? Watch the video for 3 lesser-known common habits that could be upsetting your gut this Christmas. Do you suffer from any of these? 👇 As this is a time to be joyous, here are 3 simple strategies so that you can still partake in all the fun. 1) If you enjoy a dried fruit-rich dish, like a mince pie, but find it leaves you with a funny tummy then split the portion (and therefore fructose, the fruit sugar) across two sittings. This way you still get to enjoy the same amount, but it helps to support your body to absorb all the fructose. 2) If drinking fizz can leave you flat, opt for non-carbonated drinks and see if that impacts how you feel the next day, as well as making sure to stay hydrated and nourish those gut microbes before, during and after. 3) While many tend to skip meals to save up for a big christmas feast, if you suffer from heartburn, this could make things worse. Instead, opt for smaller, more frequent meals i.e. enjoy the same amount across the day, just spread out. So when it comes to Christmas day, perhaps it’s smoked salmon starter for breakfast and Christmas pudding at dinner, yum! Share your festive flare-ups and any tips you’ve learnt along the way! 👇 #theguthealthdoctor #guthealth #gutdoctor #gut #christmas #merrychristmas
The star ingredient isn’t what you’d expect with these kefir-based blueberry bounty bites... These polyphenol-rich bites take bounty bars to a whole new level and include 4+ plant points per bite 💜. The beetroot addition doesn’t just add to the colour pop but offers up some heart-loving nitrates. Next time you have a craving for something sweet, make this your go to recipe. 🌟 Savvy tip: Switch out the berries for whichever you have in the fridge or freezer — cherries work well too 🍒. For the free recipe, use the link in bio or head to www.theguthealthdoctor.com/recipes. I’ve gone for my @bioandmeuk natural kefir yoghurt, but these would also work well with our mango, strawberry or vanilla flavours (all no added sugar or emulsifiers of course). Tag a friend who might like more fibre-filled desserts to boost their weekly plant point total 👇. #theguthealthdoctor #guthealth #gutdoctor #dessert #chocolate #homemade
Are you struggling with bloating🎈? Check-out the video to see what my new Bloating Masterclass involves... including lots of guidance, useful science, tools and videos ✨. The live virtual training event where I share my 3T approach, takes place on Tuesday 28 November. But don’t worry if you can’t attend. You’ll receive the recording and all the resources in your own personal portal. Not sure if it’s right for you? Take my free bloating quiz (link in bio) to test your trigger knowledge today! What was your score 👇? P.S. My face at the end... the things my team make me do! #theguthealthdoctor #guthealth #gutdoctor #gut #bloating #bloat
Are you making this common breakfast mistake? Many people are under the assumption that juices are a healthy choice, especially first thing in the morning. Watch this clip to discover how to get the most out of your morning juices while feeding those gut microbes too ▶️. Of course if you love a juice, then feel free to enjoy as part of your diet. However adding more fibre will leaving you and your microbes feeling more satisified and satiated with plenty of additional (gut) health benefits to enjoy ✨. Smoothies all the way or sticking with juices? Share your favourite combos 👇. P.S. So grateful to @hollywilloughby for welcoming me into the This Morning team with her warm smile and kind words. You will be greatly missed, but I’m sure your next chapter will be equally as inspiring. #theguthealthdoctor #guthealth #gutdoctor #smoothies #nutrition #juice
Do you ever wonder how healthy your gut is? 🙋🏻♀️ Unlike most other organs, there is currently no single assessment to determine how healthy your gut is... Which is why I developed the Gut Health Quiz. It’s based on hundreds of scientific papers, including the work from our research team @kings_college_london 🔬. Take the free quiz now to find out your score and recommendations on how to improve your gut health 💜. Link in bio! Or head to www.theguthealthdoctor.com/gut-health-quiz. Watch for more info on why your gut is important and how I can help you look after it ▶️. What was your score? 👇 #theguthealthdoctor #guthealth #gutdoctor #science #gut #guthealthmatters #microbiome
Steal my 3 morning health hacks. Here are 3 micro habits I practise every morning to give my microbes & I a health boost ✨. Hack 1) Cold showers 💧 For the last 30 seconds of my shower, I switch the water temperature to cold 💧 One clinical trial found that those who did this had fewer days off sick compared to those who didn’t 💧 The theory is that the cold stimulates leukocytes — immune cells that help fight off bugs — and increases levels of feel-good chemicals such as endorphins 💧Build up 10 seconds at a time over a number of weeks to make it more manageable! Hack 2) Veg for brekkie 🥕 I always have veg with my breakfast (that’s why it’s in Bio&Me!) as relying on lunch and dinner puts you on the back foot 🥕 Hundreds of studies show a veg-rich diet can lead to a longer and happier life 🥕 I recommend grating courgette into your porridge or blending carrot in your smoothie Hack 3) Delayed coffee ☕ I always enjoy a polyphenol-rich coffee but, due to the mechanisms at play, delay by 1-2 hours after waking to increase it’s stimulative effect and also reduce my spike in the stress hormone: cortisol ☕ Studies have shown that one or two cups a day is linked with more anti-inflammatory gut bacteria, lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease and certain cancers Now which of these will you try over the next week: 1, 2, 3 or all of them? Let me know below! 👇 #theguthealthdoctor #guthealth #gutdoctor #coffee #health #healthyhabits
Are you making this common lunchtime mistake? Many people are under the assumption that wraps are a healthy choice, including my husband when we met! Watch this clip to discover some of the nutritional watch-outs and ultra-processed ingredients included in a lot of wrap brands 🔍. Plus learn my savvy simple swap that is not only healthier (and in my opinion tastier), but also cheaper ✨! But make sure to read the labels to check for yourself. Of course if you love a wrap, then feel free to enjoy as part of your diet. My job is to share the nutritional science and practical tips for you to make informed decisions about your diet, and the diets of your loved ones. Pitta all the way or sticking with wraps? 👇 P.S. was great to be back @ThisMorning and thanks for my pumping room! #theguthealthdoctor #guthealth #gutdoctor #lunch #nutrition #food