Your microbiome, the microscopic colony of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that call your body home, is essential to your overall health and well-being. The majority of bacteria live in your gut (colon) and are responsible for many activities, including training the immune system, breaking down food, preventing pathogens from growing, and providing essential vitamins and nutrients. A healthy gut microbiome may also correlate with lower systemic inflammation, which aids in inflammatory skin diseases like acne. Eating a daily diet of nutritious, fiber-rich foods is the best way to support the health of your gut microbiome. Here are some of our favorite gut-healthy snacks that are easy to prepare and munch on throughout the day.

Almond butter with celery and cinnamon

When you’re hungry, layering some almond butter and cinnamon on a stick of celery is an easy snack to cure those hunger pangs quickly. Even though celery is mostly water (hello hydration!), it also contains a fair amount of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to promote gut health. Combine your celery with almond butter to add more healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E to your snack. Top your celery sticks with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and sweetness.

Yogurt with nuts, seeds, and berries

Stocking your fridge each week with plain yogurt is a great way to ensure that you have a quick, easy, and gut-friendly snack on hand at all times. Yogurt is rich in probiotics, protein, and healthy fats that support your digestive health and keep you feeling full longer. A diet high in yogurt has also been associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Top your yogurt with some nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit to change around the flavor and add an extra boost of protein, fibers, and vitamins. 

Apples or bananas with almonds and walnuts

If you need a speedy snack on the go, grabbing an apple or banana with a handful of nuts will give you a quick, satisfying, and healthy snack. Both apples and bananas are rich in prebiotic fibers for gut-health and will keep you feeling full longer. The sweet tastes of these fruits will also help tame any sugary cravings. Bananas decrease in resistant starch and increase in sugars as they become riper, so opt for a less ripe banana to get optimal gut health benefits. Add a side of almonds and walnuts for extra healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber, and protein. 

Taking a daily probiotic supplement can help support gut health when combined with a healthy diet. The SUPPLEMEANT to Be Daily Pre + Probiotic mix combines probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and zinc to support immune and digestive health.