☆ ☆ 2-Star Gut Health Plan — ‘The Balanced Rebuild’
✨ Expected Gut Health Benefits After 1 Week
- Enhanced Microbial Diversity — A wider array of fibers from whole grains, legumes, and vegetables nourishes a more diverse and resilient gut microbiome.
- Reduced Gut Inflammation — Omega-3s from fish and anti-inflammatory compounds in turmeric and olives help calm the digestive tract.
- Strengthened Gut Barrier — Collagen from bone broth and amino acids from lean meats support the repair and maintenance of the intestinal lining.
- Improved Digestive Enzyme Function — Fermented foods and herbs stimulate enzyme production for better nutrient breakdown and absorption.
- Balanced Gut Flora — Powerful probiotics from kefir and fermented vegetables work with prebiotics to create a harmonious gut environment.
This 2-Star plan is designed to fit within an average weekly grocery cost of $79. Per-meal cost reflects ingredient usage, not grocery checkout total—some ingredients (like olive oil, tahini, or spices) will last multiple weeks. Prices are based on average U.S. grocery store values.
Key Gut Health Ingredients
- Kefir: Provides a diverse and potent range of probiotics to populate the gut with beneficial bacteria and crowd out harmful ones.
- Bone Broth: Rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids like glutamine that help repair a leaky gut and reduce inflammation.
- Fermented Vegetables: Introduce live beneficial bacteria and enzymes that improve digestion and enhance nutrient absorption.
- Farro: Contains beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that feeds good bacteria and supports healthy, regular digestion.
- Tahini: Made from sesame seeds, which contain lignans that have prebiotic properties and support microbial diversity.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that can help soothe an irritated gut and reduce bloating.
🌅 Breakfast
Greek Yogurt & Honey Parfait with Walnuts and Figs
An elegant and simple breakfast that layers creamy probiotics with fiber-rich figs. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats, making this a parfait that’s as delicious as it is beneficial for your gut flora.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 0 | Calories: 330 kcal | Cost: $3.80
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 fresh fig or 2 dried figs, sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped walnuts
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a bowl or glass, start with a layer of Greek yogurt.
- Add a layer of sliced figs and chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Repeat the layers if desired. Serve immediately.
Gut Health Benefit: Probiotic-rich yogurt combines with fiber-rich figs to promote a diverse and balanced gut flora.
🥗 Lunch
Roasted Vegetable & Chickpea Bowl with Tahini Lemon Dressing
A hearty and warm bowl that celebrates the power of plants. The creamy, nutty tahini dressing not only adds depth of flavor but also brings its own unique gut-health benefits, complementing the fiber from the chickpeas and roasted vegetables perfectly.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Calories: 440 kcal | Cost: $5.10
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup mixed roasted vegetables (zucchini, peppers, onion)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp tahini
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini and lemon juice to create a dressing.
- In a serving bowl, combine the roasted vegetables and chickpeas.
- Drizzle with the tahini-lemon dressing and toss gently to combine.
Gut Health Benefit: Tahini’s sesame lignans and the abundant fiber from chickpeas work together to enhance microbial diversity.
🍽️ Dinner
Herb Lemon Salmon with Garlic Spinach
A restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to prepare. The rich omega-3s in salmon are powerful allies in reducing systemic inflammation, while the garlic acts as a prebiotic to stimulate your own digestive enzymes for optimal nutrient uptake.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Calories: 500 kcal | Cost: $6.00
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 salmon fillet (4-5 oz)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- While salmon bakes, heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Serve the baked salmon alongside the garlic spinach, with an extra drizzle of lemon juice.
Gut Health Benefit: Omega-3s in salmon reduce gut inflammation, while garlic acts as a prebiotic to stimulate digestive enzymes.
🌅 Breakfast
Avocado Toast with Fermented Carrot Slaw
This isn’t your average avocado toast. The addition of fermented carrot slaw or sauerkraut introduces a powerful probiotic punch, turning a simple breakfast into a functional meal that actively supports your gut microbiome and digestive health.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 | Calories: 340 kcal | Cost: $4.40
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 slice sourdough bread
- ¼ avocado
- ¼ cup fermented carrot slaw or sauerkraut
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toast the slice of sourdough bread until golden.
- Mash the avocado and spread it evenly on the toast. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top the avocado with a generous layer of fermented carrot slaw or sauerkraut.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve immediately.
Gut Health Benefit: Fermented vegetables introduce a powerful dose of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that aid digestion and balance gut flora.
🥗 Lunch
Mediterranean Tuna & White Bean Salad
A robust and refreshing salad that requires no cooking. White beans are a fantastic source of resistant starch, a prebiotic that feeds your good gut bacteria, while the arugula and tomato add polyphenols that act as antioxidants for the gut.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 | Calories: 430 kcal | Cost: $5.30
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 can tuna in olive oil, drained
- ½ cup white beans, rinsed
- ½ cup arugula
- ½ tomato, chopped
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, flake the tuna with a fork.
- Add the white beans, arugula, and chopped tomato.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to combine and serve chilled.
Gut Health Benefit: White beans and leafy greens add resistant starch and polyphenols that act as fuel and protection for a healthy gut.
🍽️ Dinner
Turmeric Bone Broth Chicken Stew
The ultimate gut-healing comfort food. This soothing stew harnesses the power of collagen-rich bone broth to repair the intestinal lining, while turmeric provides a potent anti-inflammatory effect, making it a powerful remedy for a sensitive gut.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Calories: 520 kcal | Cost: $6.20
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 cup bone broth
- 1 chicken thigh
- ½ carrot, chopped
- ¼ cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup rice
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium pot, combine the bone broth, chicken thigh, carrot, celery, rice, and turmeric.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Remove the chicken thigh, shred the meat, and return it to the stew. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Gut Health Benefit: Bone broth’s collagen and turmeric’s curcumin work synergistically to repair the gut lining and reduce inflammation.
🌅 Breakfast
Kefir Smoothie with Blueberries & Chia
A quick, drinkable breakfast that delivers a powerful probiotic and prebiotic combination. Kefir is one of the most potent sources of diverse live cultures, and when paired with the fiber from blueberries and chia seeds, it creates the perfect environment for a strong microbiome.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 0 | Calories: 310 kcal | Cost: $4.00
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 cup kefir
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp chia seeds
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Gut Health Benefit: Kefir provides a diverse array of live cultures (probiotics) to directly strengthen and populate the microbiome.
🥗 Lunch
Warm Lentil & Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
A stunning and deeply nourishing salad. Earthy roasted beets support liver function and increase bile flow, which aids in fat digestion, while the lentils provide a steady supply of prebiotic fiber to keep your gut bacteria well-fed and happy.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Calories: 440 kcal | Cost: $5.60
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup cooked lentils
- 1 small beet, roasted and cubed
- 1 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the beet in foil and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. (Can be done ahead). Once cool, peel and cube.
- In a bowl, combine the warm lentils and roasted beet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese and serve warm.
Gut Health Benefit: Beets increase bile flow for better fat digestion, while lentils supply essential prebiotics for optimal gut function.
🍽️ Dinner
Lean Beef & Eggplant Ragu over Polenta
A comforting, Italian-inspired dish that is both satisfying and gut-friendly. The amino acids from the lean beef provide the building blocks for a healthy gut lining, while the eggplant dissolves into the sauce, adding a hidden source of soluble fiber that benefits your microbiome.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Calories: 540 kcal | Cost: $6.30
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 4 oz lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced eggplant
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup instant polenta
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the diced eggplant and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the ragu simmers, prepare the polenta according to package instructions.
- Serve the beef and eggplant ragu over a bed of warm polenta.
Gut Health Benefit: Beef’s amino acids support gut lining repair, while eggplant adds soluble fiber to feed beneficial bacteria.
🌅 Breakfast
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberries
Light, fluffy, and surprisingly gut-friendly pancakes. Ricotta cheese is lower in lactose than many other dairy products, making it easier to digest for many, while providing a good source of protein and fat to keep you satisfied.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 min | Calories: 340 kcal | Cost: $4.70
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup raspberries
- 1 tsp butter or oil for cooking
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the ricotta, egg, flour, and lemon zest until a batter forms.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil.
- Pour small amounts of batter to form pancakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Serve topped with fresh raspberries.
Gut Health Benefit: Ricotta is a fresh cheese that is typically lower in lactose, making it easier to digest than many other dairy products.
🥗 Lunch
Herbed Farro Salad with Roasted Chicken and Tahini Drizzle
A substantial and flavorful salad featuring the ancient grain farro. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor are matched by its gut-health prowess, thanks to beta-glucans that act as premium fuel for your beneficial gut bacteria.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Calories: 450 kcal | Cost: $5.50
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup cooked farro
- 3 oz roasted chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1 tsp tahini
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Fresh herbs like parsley or mint
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked farro, shredded chicken, and mixed greens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
- Pour the tahini dressing over the farro salad and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Gut Health Benefit: Farro is rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that acts as a premium prebiotic to feed your most beneficial gut bacteria.
🍽️ Dinner
Baked Cod with Olive Tapenade and Asparagus
A light, elegant, and effortless dinner. The salty, briny olive tapenade is not just a flavor powerhouse; it’s also a source of healthy monounsaturated fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and support a healthy digestive process.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Calories: 490 kcal | Cost: $6.40
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 cod fillet (4-5 oz)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped olives (or pre-made tapenade)
- 1 cup asparagus spears
- Lemon wedge for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the cod fillet and asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Top the cod fillet with the chopped olives.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cod is flaky and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve with a fresh lemon wedge.
Gut Health Benefit: Healthy monounsaturated fats from olives aid in digestion and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
🌅 Breakfast
Coconut Overnight Oats with Mango
A tropical twist on a gut-health classic. Coconut milk contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that are easily digested and have antimicrobial properties, which can help maintain a balanced microbial environment in the gut and reduce bloating.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 0 | Calories: 330 kcal | Cost: $4.10
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ¼ cup mango chunks
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
- In a jar or container, combine the rolled oats and coconut milk.
- Stir in the honey.
- Seal the container and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, top with fresh mango chunks and enjoy cold.
Gut Health Benefit: Coconut’s medium-chain fatty acids support microbial balance and can help reduce bloating and discomfort.
🥗 Lunch
Grilled Vegetable Pita with Hummus
A satisfying and portable lunch that combines the power of prebiotics and probiotics. The hummus, made from fermented chickpeas, provides both protein and beneficial bacteria, while the grilled vegetables and whole-wheat pita deliver a hearty dose of fiber.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Calories: 420 kcal | Cost: $5.20
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 whole-wheat pita
- ¼ cup hummus
- ½ cup grilled vegetables (zucchini, peppers)
Instructions:
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the vegetables until tender and slightly charred.
- Warm the pita bread slightly.
- Spread the hummus inside the pita pocket.
- Fill the pita with the grilled vegetables and serve.
Gut Health Benefit: Hummus (from chickpeas) and vegetables deliver a powerful combination of fiber and polyphenols to nourish and protect the gut.
🍽️ Dinner
Mediterranean Beef Meatballs with Quinoa Tabbouleh
A flavorful and festive end to the week. These meatballs are packed with fresh herbs that aid digestion, while the quinoa tabbouleh provides a complete protein and a fiber-rich base, creating a meal that is both delicious and deeply supportive of a healthy gut ecosystem.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Calories: 550 kcal | Cost: $6.60
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 4 oz lean ground beef
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup tabbouleh mix (parsley, tomato, cucumber)
- ¼ cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef with oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, combine the tabbouleh mix with the cooked quinoa.
- Serve the meatballs over the quinoa tabbouleh.
Gut Health Benefit: Fresh herbs aid digestion, and fiber-rich quinoa promotes the growth of good bacteria for a balanced microbiome.
Budget & Cost Breakdown
| Meal | Est. Cost per Serving | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfasts (5 meals) | ~$4.20 | ~$21.00 |
| Lunches (5 meals) | ~$5.34 | ~$26.70 |
| Dinners (5 meals) | ~$6.30 | ~$31.50 |
| Estimated Total | ~$79.20 |
Costs are estimates and may vary depending on local prices, sales, and use of pantry staples.
★ 1 Star Diabetic-Friendly Meal Plan – Flavor Without the Sugar Crash






