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You’ve no doubt heard of your 5-a-day, but when it comes to gut health, that’s old news. Say hello to a whole new points system:&nbsp;plant points.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reaching 30 plant points each week has been touted by top nutritionists from around the world for good reason. And while 30 is no magic number, think of plant points as a simple system to track the variety of plants in your diet, not just quantity. And trust us, variety is what your gut craves.

<h2>Why plant points?</h2>There are trillions of bacteria living in your gut. These little guys, known as your microbiome, are a community of different species, and each one feeds on distinct things. The more different types of plants you eat, the more helpful and healthy your gut bacteria become. That means better digestion, stronger immunity, better mood, and sharper thinking… you get the point.&nbsp;

<h2>What counts as a plant point?</h2>The system sounds complicated, but fortunately for us, the Gut health doctor has devised a way to tally up the range of your plant points across the week that is simple. There are six main plant groups to consider:&nbsp; — Vegetables — Fruit — Whole grains — Legumes (beans + pulses) — Nuts and seeds — Herbs and spices&nbsp;&nbsp;Each plant counts as 1 point, while herbs and spices (plus coffee, tea, or extra-virgin olive oil) count as ¼ point.&nbsp; Different varieties count, ie a red apple and a green apple count 2 points.&nbsp; Fresh, frozen, dried or canned all count. However, anything plants in refined foods like white bread or apple juice is a nil points. &nbsp;

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<h2>Easy ways to boost your plant points</h2>Here’s how to rack up your score without overthinking it:&nbsp;Blend is your friend Smoothies = plant point gold. Leafy greens, berries, plant-based yoghurt, and seed mixes. That’s 5–6 points in a single glass.&nbsp;Eat the rainbow Stir-fries, big salads, grain bowls, these are all great go-tos for mixing in loads of veg. Try broccoli, pak choi, peppers, aubergine, and carrots in one go, and don’t forget to cash in on multi-seed/nutty toppers.&nbsp;Go big on beans Throw chickpeas, lentils or black beans into stews, curries or even pasta. Tinned or dry, they’re fibre-packed and count as 1 point each.&nbsp;Here’s the tea Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint? That’s a cheeky quarter point with every brew. Add some lemon or a dash of spice and you can ramp it up even more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Snack clever Fruit and nut combos are ideal. A few almonds, dates, nut butters, apples or a plum and you turned a snack into multiple points.&nbsp;Cook with the good stuff Garlic, ginger, turmeric - add these bits to whatever you’re cooking up and your gut will thank you.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

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Worried 30 plant points a week sounds like a full-time job? Relax, we’ve got you.
Grubby meals are naturally packed with plant variety. In fact, our four-recipe box helps you hit (and often beat) the 30-point target. No spreadsheets. No calculators. Just proper food, cooked from scratch, full of good stuff. 

What are plant points (and why do they matter)?

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Going green in the kitchen is a no-brainer. Not only does it help the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run. Based on Grubby HQ's own transition to more sustainable kitchen items, here are some easy swaps you can make to make your kitchen more eco-friendly. &nbsp;Ditch the traditional spongesRegular sponges are made from a combination of plastic and cellulose. This isn’t good. In fact, 600 million plastic sponges are thrown into landfill sites every year in the UK alone. These sponges can stick around for hundreds of years in landfills and eventually break down into microplastics. Nasty stuff. The good news is there are alternative options out there, like compostable sponges from <a href="https://theseepcompany.com/">Seep</a>. These sponges are 100% plastic-free and are made from cellulose wood pulp and natural materials like loofah fibre. They work just as well as regular sponges (trust us) and are fully home compostable.&nbsp;Say goodbye to cling filmCut out that infuriating fiddling about with the cling film roll and start using reusable lids. They can be used to cover bowls, plates, and cups, basically anything you need. There are lots of different types of reusable lids available, like silicone lids that stretch to fit any size container. These are super easy to clean and save you in the long run. You won’t look back.&nbsp;Don’t be an old bag. Use reusable food storage bagsAnother simple way to reduce waste in the kitchen is to invest in reusable food storage bags. Again, there are many different types of reusable bags available, like silicone bags that can store all manner of ingredients. They’ll save you money in the long run and are easy to clean and reuse. There’s a theme forming here.&nbsp;Recyclable copper scourerSometimes, you need that item to really get stuck into the toughest grease and stains. Copper scourers are a decent addition to your washing-up tools. These bad boys won’t rust up or corrode anywhere near as quickly as traditional steel wool scourers and are naturally antibacterial.There’s no time like the present to make a few simple swaps that can make a big difference in reducing your plastic waste and help you save in the long run.&nbsp;Bamboo paper towelsBamboo paper towels are a great alternative to traditional paper towels. Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, and it's also biodegradable. Bamboo paper towels are also more durable than traditional paper towels, so you won't have to replace them as often. Plus, they're compostable, which means they'll break down in a compost pile.&nbsp;Bamboo utensilsBamboo utensils are a great alternative to traditional plastic utensils. Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, and it's also biodegradable. Bamboo utensils are also lightweight and durable, making them perfect for everyday use. Plus, they're dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.&nbsp;Eco-friendly rubber glovesRubber gloves that are made from natural rubber are a great alternative to traditional rubber gloves. They are just as durable and effective as traditional rubber gloves, but without the negative environmental impact, as these don’t release microplastics.&nbsp;Glass Tupperware FTWSwitching to glass Tupperware is a great way to avoid the toxic chemicals found in plastic containers. Glass is non-toxic and doesn't absorb flavours or smells like plastic does. Plus, it's dishwasher safe, microwave safe, oven safe, and freezer safe. Glass Tupperware also lasts longer than plastic, so you won't have to replace it as often.&nbsp;Bio-degradable bin bagsBio-degradable bin bags made from plant-based bio-polymer Mater-Bi™️ are a perfect alternative to traditional plastic bin bags. They are just as durable and effective as traditional plastic bin bags but without the negative environmental impact.&nbsp;

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Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products - Simple Swaps for a More Sustainable Home

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5 Accidentally Vegan Biscuits

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Why Do You need to Know about Aubergines?

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An Aubergine's flesh can turn brown if;&nbsp;<ul style="list-style-type:square;"><li>- It's exposed to oxygen</li><li>- It experiences physical trauma, or&nbsp;</li><li>- If it goes through extreme temp changes.</li></ul>&nbsp;The above are completely natural processes and the produce remains safe to eat! You can prevent the browning in some cases by adding lemon juice to the exposed areas.&nbsp;

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Here are some things to look out for:&nbsp;<ul><li>- Oozing bruises</li><li>- Slimy texture</li><li>- Unpleasant strong odor</li><li>- Visible signs of mold</li><li>- Any sort of bugs</li></ul>&nbsp;Some of the above sound pretty obvious, but it's natural to brush off certain signs when youre conscious of reducing your household waste. Aubergines should be firm and shiny, like your future. Any cuts, breaks, or bruises could be a sign of trauma, so you should keep an eye out for the above list of additional spoiling.

To Aubergine, or not to Aubergine.

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Game, Set, Plants

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Stay Sharp: The importance of a Good Kitchen Knife

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So, what exactly is Global Wellness Day all about? 

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Global Wellness Day: Treat Yo'self

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Benefits of Seasonal Vegetables in the UK

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Seasonal Produce: Summer Edition

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Enhanced Digestion: The gut microbiota breaks down complex carbohydrates, fiber, and other indigestible substances, making them easier for our bodies to absorb.

Supersystem: A healthy gut microbiota supports our immune system by fighting off diseases and promoting the production of immune cells.

Happy Gut, Happy You: The gut-brain axis, a communication network between the gut and the brain, highlights the connection between gut health and mental health. A flourishing gut microbiota is believed to positively impact mood, cognition, and emotional well-being.


Balance is Key: An imbalanced gut microbiota can lead to chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of various diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.

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Fiber-Rich Foods: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains contain prebiotic fibres that act as fuel for gut bacteria, promoting their growth and diversity.


The 4 Ks : Introduce fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kefir to your meals. These are rich in live bacteria called probiotics that improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.


Eat the Rainbow: The vibrant colours in fruits and vegetables are a sign of the presence of antioxidants, which protect our cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals.


Healthy Fats: This is your sign to stop feeling that twinge of guilt when you eat good fats. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are all healthy. These fats support the integrity of the gut lining, helping to prevent inflammation and maintain a healthy gut barrier.



Slow it down: Practising mindful eating, such as chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly, allows for better digestion and nutrient absorption. It also helps to establish a positive relationship with food, reducing stress and promoting a healthy gut environment.


THE DIGEST

What are plant points (and why do they matter)?

Eco-Friendly Kitchen Products - Simple Swaps for a More Sustainable Home

5 Accidentally Vegan Biscuits

To Aubergine, or not to Aubergine.

Game, Set, Plants

Stay Sharp: The importance of a Good Kitchen Knife

Global Wellness Day: Treat Yo'self

Sustainability, delivered

Seasonal Produce: Summer Edition

Going with your Gut for Gut Health Month

7 Ways to Use Excess Garlic

5 Ways to Use Broccoli Stalks