30-Minute Dinners to Improve Your Gut Health (Weekly Plan & Shopping List!)

While I love cooking and could spend hours in the kitchen prepping delicious dishes while listening to my favorite music, the reality is that I don't have that much time during the week. However, making healthy and flavorful meals is still a priority for me. This week's dinner recipes are delicious and ready in 30 minutes or less to help me achieve that. Added bonus: They promote a healthy gut.

Your Meal Plan

A healthy gut does more than reduce the risk of digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea or bloating. Your gut microbiome, made up of the microorganisms in your digestive tract, plays an important role in your overall health. Research has shown that a healthy gut can affect your body in a variety of ways, from improving your sleep to reducing your risk of anxiety and depression.

Tuesday's Garlic-Anchovy Pasta with Broccolini is not only delicious, but it can contribute to a healthier gut too. Plus, it's ready in 25 minutes flat! Several of its ingredients promote better gut health. The broccolini, garlic and almonds, in particular, contain fiber and antioxidants, which feed your gut microbiome and protect the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, respectively. And the anchovies are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a potent nutrient that helps reduce gut inflammation.

Sunday: Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Chickpeas & Spinach with a slice of whole-wheat baguette
Monday: Vegan Black Bean Burgers
Tuesday: Garlic-Anchovy Pasta with Broccolini
Wednesday: Chopped Salad with Chicken & Creamy Chipotle Dressingwith a slice of whole-wheat baguette
Thursday: Miso-Maple Salmon with a side of Easy Fried Rice
Friday: Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas with mixed greens tossed with Easy Homemade Italian Dressing

Something Sweet

I love fall flavors; there's just something about apples and cinnamon together that makes the duo so comforting. Though I can enjoy them all year long, I particularly crave them when the weather gets cooler. One of the recipes I've been making over the last couple of weeks is Apple-Cinnamon Overnight Oats. I think most people eat overnight oats for breakfast, but I like them better as a snack—I prefer a savory breakfast—particularly when I want something sweet. Oats are also packed with fiber, which not only supports my gut health but keeps me satisfied.

Get the Recipe: ​Apple-Cinnamon Overnight Oats

What's Inspiring Me This Week

Surprisingly, we've had some rainy days lately here in Austin, and we all know that nothing calls for cozy food like rainy days. Though rain isn't forecasted for the weekend, Ina's rainy-day favorite meal has me wishing for one! I can definitely see myself enjoying a bowl of hearty tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, tucked in a blanket and watching my favorite show for hours.

Find Out More: Ina Garten's Go-To Rainy Day Meal Is a Nostalgic Classic

I wish you all a great week and don't forget to add a recipe review if you try one.