5 Fermented Foods to Help with Weight Loss

Fermented foods have been around for centuries and were highly consumed before fast food monopolized the industry.

If you’ve tried kombucha or REAL yogurt (not the sweet treats you find in the grocery store) then you’ve at least experienced the microbe rich food.

I used to turn my nose to my dad’s basement fermentation process. It looked like a science lab project, collecting mold. It wasn’t until I obtained my Fermentationist certification did I realize all the benefits of fermented foods.

The Greek meaning of probiotic is ‘for life’. The fermentation process transforms food into a substance that is rich in probiotics (good bacteria) which is beneficial for your health. Fermented foods feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping to increase the number of good microbes, while crowding out harmful ones.

Various studies have proven that unfriendly gut bacteria are associated with obesity. “Good” bacteria help digest food, fight off pathogens, and balance the gut microbiome – an important factor in weight management.

Fermented foods:

• Are high in fiber, which creates a lasting feeling of fullness, resulting in lower calorie consumption.  
• Help in treating inflammation which can activate the body’s “fat trigger cells.”  This signals to the brain that body is in distress and to store fat, instead of burning it.
• Help in reducing food sensitivities which reduces the body's inflammation.

Start by incorporating quality fermented foods to your daily routine. I suggest starting slow, one forkful or a ¼ bottle. If you’re the host to poor gut health too much can cause an irritable symptom such as belly ache, gas, or diarrhea.   

Fermentation foods:

• Yogurt
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Sauerkraut or other fermented vegetables
• Dairy or non-dairy kefir
• Kefir water
• Kombucha

Note: if you’re buying these items in the grocery store it must read FERMENTED. Sauerkraut in a can or jar in the middle aisle is most likely not fermented.  

These foods along with other gut friendly activities will help you reduce your inflammation and lose weight.  

To start, try this recipe:

DE-BLOAT JUICE

3 cucumbers

1 orange

1 cup spinach

Handful of parsley

4 celery stalks

Juice of 2 limes

1 oz organic raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) with mother

¼ cup of water kefir

Juice. Juice the asparagus, cucumbers and celery. Add the lime juice, ACV, kefir

Food regulates metabolism and creates building blocks to ditch the stubborn weight. Eat well, live well, and follow your gut. 

Be Gutsy as a Mother,

-Mary