Many of us are familiar with the mantra ‘5-a-day’ and whilst that takes into account the amount of fruit and veg we should be eating it is missing a key component when it comes to gut health which is diversity. 

We know that the path to a healthier and happier gut is one that is diverse as this feeds many more good microbes in our microbiome. The way to achieve this is eating a wide variety of plants and this is where the new ’30-per-week’ phrase comes in.  

This week we rope in our first guest of the season, the incredibly inspiring Julia Samuel MBE, renowned psychotherapist, author, and podcaster. 

The rules

Julia has to meet the quota of 30 or more different types of plants per week which can come from fruit, vegetables, whole grains and nuts & seeds. Herbs and spices also count but since these are typically used in much lower amounts think of one measure of spice as a 1/4 portion. Each plant item only counts as once in the week even if Julia eats it every day. She can consume fresh, dried, canned or frozen so no restrictions there. 

We want to know if bringing some more variety into the plant foods we eat could be THE most important thing we do for our gut health? And how doable is it actually in a busy and convenience driven world?

This season is kindly sponsored by Ancient and Brave. Head to https://ancientandbrave.earth

For more info on our other episode sponsor Bimuno click here https://bit.ly/3TBvTPd 

Check out Julia Samuel MBE @juliasamuelmbe and her podcast Therapy Works https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/therapy-works/id1646616622 

And for Chefs in Schools head here https://chefsinschools.org.uk 

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy

We love to hear your thoughts, feedback and challenge ideas and experiences so please email us at [email protected] or contact us on Instagram @the_wellnessbreakdown @rosemaryferguson_ and @evekalinik

Plus you can now see our podcasts on You Tube! Go to youtube.com/@thewellnessbreakdownpod