Good Mood Food #01: New Moon Nourishment

Ground, Reflect, and Restore

Welcome to Gut Feelings—your monthly dose of nourishment, where we focus on healing your body from the inside out. For this new moon, we’re keeping things fresh and light with recipes that are gut-supportive and packed with flavor. These dishes honor the start of a new cycle with grounding ingredients that promote digestion and hormonal health. Let's dive in!

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🌱 Gut-Soothing Meals for the New Moon

This new moon, fuel your body with meals that support a balanced gut and keep you grounded through the transition. Here are three nutrient-rich, gut-loving dishes to try that I’m prepping for this New Moon Week.

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1. Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

• Gut Benefits: Packed with fiber and antioxidants, these fresh spring rolls are perfect for digestion and rich in healthy fats to support hormonal balance.

• Ingredients:

  • 8 rice paper wrappers

  • 1 cup cooked shrimp or tofu (your choice)

  • 1 cup shredded carrots

  • 1 cup cucumber, julienned

  • 1 avocado, sliced

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro

  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or spinach

  • For the Peanut Sauce:

    • 1/4 cup peanut butter

    • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

    • 1 tbsp lime juice

    • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

    • 1 tbsp sesame oil

    • 1 tbsp water (adjust to consistency)

• Instructions:

  1. Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip each rice paper wrapper into the water for 5-10 seconds, then lay it flat on a clean surface.

  2. Layer shrimp or tofu, carrots, cucumber, avocado, cilantro, mint, and lettuce in the center.

  3. Roll up the rice paper tightly, folding in the sides as you go.

  4. For the peanut sauce, whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust water as needed for desired consistency.

  5. Serve the spring rolls with the peanut sauce for dipping.

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2. Chia Pudding with Berries

• Gut Benefits: Chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3s, which are great for your gut health and inflammation reduction. This pudding is a perfect light breakfast or snack to keep you energized and satisfied.

• Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)

  • 1 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

  2. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

  3. When ready to serve, top with fresh berries and shredded coconut. Enjoy!

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3. Pizza Pasta Salad

• Gut Benefits: A lighter take on traditional pasta salad, this dish includes tomatoes, olives, and healthy fats from olive oil. It's perfect for a fresh, flavorful meal that supports digestion with a balance of fiber and fats.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta (or gluten-free pasta)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, olives, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.

  2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss to combine.

  3. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.

  4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

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🍶 Gut-Healing Moon Milk

A warm, soothing drink to support digestion and promote relaxation as you wind down for the evening.

• Gut Benefits: Turmeric and ginger are excellent for reducing inflammation and supporting gut health.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp ginger

  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

  • Pinch of black pepper

• Instructions:

  1. Heat almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Add turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper, whisking until smooth.

  3. Stir in honey or maple syrup, then remove from heat.

  4. Pour into a mug and enjoy.

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🌙 New Moon Ritual: Centering the Mind & Body

Take a few minutes to set your intentions for the month ahead with this simple ritual designed to help you feel grounded and present.

• Instructions:

  1. Set up a calm space with dim lighting, candles, or incense.

  2. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

  3. Hold a cup of warm Moon Milk and visualize your intentions or dreams for the coming month.

  4. Write down any insights or intentions in a journal, focusing on what you’d like to manifest.

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✨ Journal Prompt: Planting Seeds for the Future

• What new projects, goals, or habits would you like to cultivate this month?

• How can you nourish your body and gut to support these intentions?

• What small daily actions can you take to align with your vision for the month ahead?

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🛒 Grocery List for the Week

• Rice paper wrappers

• Shrimp or tofu

• Carrots

• Cucumber

• Avocado

• Fresh cilantro

• Fresh mint

• Shredded lettuce or spinach

• Peanut butter

• Soy sauce or tamari

• Lime juice

• Sesame oil

• Almond milk

• Chia seeds

• Maple syrup or honey

• Vanilla extract

• Mixed berries

• Shredded coconut

• Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta

• Cherry tomatoes

• Black olives

• Red onion

• Fresh mozzarella

• Fresh basil

• Olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Dried oregano

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That’s it for this month’s Gut Feelings drop! May this new moon bring you balance, grounding, and plenty of nourishing meals. 🌙

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