Gut Gastronomy

January 26, 2015
Based on the findings of Grayshott Spa in Surrey, England, this book showcases a new way of eating healthy that builds on the idea that the gut is the key to restorative health. Edgson (Eating the Alkaline Way), a nutritional therapist and cofounder of the Food Doctor, a nutritional program, and Palmer, the spaâs executive chef, take a naturopathic approach to gut cleansing and rebalancing the digestive system. They donât put forth a diet so much as a way of eating, which combines a broad range of healthy foods with intermittent fasting in order to give the digestive system time to heal and repair itself. This is achieved by allocating two nonconsecutive days per week on which food intake is limited, allowing energy to be redirected from digestion to other parts of the body. The authors identify 10 principles that constitute their plan, such as creating healthy gut flora, omitting dairy, and consuming high-quality protein at every meal. They provide a detailed examination of the food groups, such as animal-based proteins, carbohydrates, root vegetables, and fats. While the details of the plan may imply deprivation, the opposite is actually true. Dishes are satisfying and occasionally border on indulgent, such as confit of duck, porchetta with plum and fig chutney, and roasted tamarind, chilli, ginger, and coriander chicken. The authors include wonderful full-color photos, which make these meals even more appealing. For those seeking better health, there is much here to consider and entice.