Do you ever feel like you’re doing all the right things for your health, but you’re still not seeing the results you want? You’re definitely not alone. And honestly, I think it’s because so much of the information we’ve been given about what’s actually healthy and what’s not is just plain wrong.
Because the truth is that there are a LOT of so-called “healthy” foods out there that are actually really bad for us. They’re full of sugar and artificial ingredients and all sorts of other junk that is totally wreaking havoc on our bodies, and especially on our gut health.
And gut health is a big deal. It’s actually one of the most important factors in your overall health and well-being, and it’s something that has a HUGE impact on your ability to lose weight and keep it off.
So today, I want to dive into this topic of gut health, and specifically talk about some of the more surprising foods that most of us think of as healthy, that are in reality wrecking your gut and wreaking havoc on your health. Are you ready to create the ultimate 12-month blueprint for reaching your health & weight loss goals this coming year? Our free on-demand video training will walk you through how to make 2024 THE year you set health goals…and keep them. Access our free video training And then at the end, we’ll talk a little bit about what you can do to start reversing some of the damage, and get your gut health back on track. I know what it’s like to feel totally addicted to sugar and all sorts of processed junk. I know what it’s like to lose weight and then gain it back, and I know how frustrating it can be to try and try and try again, without ever seeing any real or lasting results. And it’s because I’ve been there that I’m so incredibly passionate about helping other women get healthy and lose weight in a way that actually WORKS, and that is sustainable for the long run. Because to me, this isn’t even just about weight loss. Not really. It’s about FREEDOM. The freedom to look and feel your absolute best. The freedom NOT to be controlled by food addictions, or to feel sick and tired all the time, or to be caught up in all the big lies we’ve been fed by the food industry and the pharmaceutical industry and the weight loss industry and the media. It’s about the freedom to pursue all of your OTHER big goals and dreams, because your health and your weight are no longer holding you back. And if you are new around here, and this is your first time reading the Thinlicious blog, then let me say WELCOME, and also tell you how EXCITED I am that you’ve found me, and that you’ve found this blog. Because seriously, there is SO much good stuff in here, and I know that it has the power to totally transform your life and your health. And also, before we dive into today’s topic, I just want to quickly remind you that you can also download a free copy of our awesome free guide, which is the perfect companion to this blog, and will help you get a better idea of what the Thinlicious System is all about, and how it can help you lose weight and get healthy. You can grab a copy of that guide for free HERE.
So go and grab that, because it’s really good.
Alrighty, so with that out of the way, let’s talk about gut health, and why it’s so important, and what you may be doing to totally wreck it without even realizing it.
### Why Gut Health Matters
So first things first—what IS gut health, and why is it so important?
Well, if you’re not familiar with the term, then you may not realize that your “gut” is simply another word for your digestive system. It’s the part of your body that’s responsible for processing the food you eat, breaking it down into usable nutrients, and then eliminating the waste. And while that might sound pretty straightforward, the reality is that your digestive system is actually incredibly complex, and it needs to be working properly in order for your body to function the way it’s supposed to. In fact, your gut health affects SO many different aspects of your health and well-being, from your immune system to your mental health and even your risk for developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It also has a huge impact on your ability to lose weight and keep it off. So if you’re struggling with any of these things, then one of first places you’ll want to focus is on your gut health.
And yet, it’s something that so many of us totally take for granted, and don’t give much thought to at all. In fact, the modern American diet is SO bad for our gut health, and is causing so many problems, that it’s become a major public health issue.
### What’s to Blame?
Well, a big part of the problem is all the processed, packaged, and fast foods that make up the majority of what we eat. These foods are typically high in sugar and unhealthy fats, and full of all sorts of artificial ingredients and chemicals that are wreaking havoc on our digestive systems.
And when your gut isn’t healthy, it can lead to a condition called leaky gut, which is basically what it sounds like—when the lining of your digestive system becomes permeable, allowing toxic particles, bacteria, and viruses to “leak” into your bloodstream. This can cause all sorts of inflammation and autoimmune issues, and can also make it nearly impossible to lose weight. And I know you might be lreading right now and thinking, “well, leaky gut sounds bad, but this can’t possibly apply to me.” But the reality is that leaky gut syndrome is actually far more common than any of us probably realize. In fact, it’s estimated that as much as 70-80% of the population may have some form of leaky gut, and yet many people don’t even know it. That’s because the symptoms can be vague and wide-ranging, making it difficult to pinpoint as the root cause of health issues. And chances are, if you’re struggling with your weight, gut health issues are at least partially to blame.
### The So-Called Healthy Foods That Are Wrecking Your Gut
And while junk food is one of the biggest culprits in this modern gut health epidemic, it’s not just all the junk food that’s to blame. There are actually a lot of so-called “healthy” foods out there that can be really bad for your gut health, and are contributing to this explosion of leaky gut and other digestive issues. And a lot of times, we don’t even realize it, because we’ve been told that these foods are GOOD for us, when in reality, they’re doing a whole lot of damage.
So let’s talk about some of those foods, and why they’re so bad for your gut.
### Food #1: Yogurt & other dairy products
The first food I want to talk about is one that I think a lot of people are really surprised to hear can be bad for your gut, and that’s DAIRY, and especially yogurt. Because for so long we’ve been told that yogurt is a super healthy food that’s great for our digestion, right?
Well, not necessarily.
While it’s true that yogurt contains beneficial probiotics, which can be good for your gut, the problem is that most of the yogurt you find in the grocery store is not actually the kind of yogurt that’s good for you. Instead, it’s usually packed with sugar and artificial flavors and sweeteners, all of which can be really bad for your gut health. In fact, some types of yogurt can have more sugar in them than a candy bar!
And all that sugar is basically canceling out any of the good benefits you might get from the probiotics.
But it’s not just the sugar that’s the problem when it comes to yogurt and other dairy products. Dairy is also a common allergen for a lot of people, and can cause all sorts of digestive issues, from bloating and gas to diarrhea and constipation. And when you’re trying to heal your gut,…
