Why Your Gut Isn’t Thriving on “Clean Eating” and Skipping Meals
you’re doing everything “right”:
eating super clean
avoiding processed foods
skipping meals here + there to “give your digestion a break”
but somehow… your gut still feels off. you’re bloated, constipated, maybe even more sensitive to foods than before…
lets break this down together
skipping meals slows digestion
your digestive system works best with rhythm + consistency. when you skip meals, your body doesn’t produce as much:
stomach acid
digestive enzymes
bile (for breaking down fats)
without these, food sits longer in your stomach, leading to bloating, gas + discomfort
“clean eating” when not done right, can become too restrictive
eating clean sounds healthy, but sometimes it turns into eating too little or cutting out too many foods. when your body lacks enough calories, carbs, or fats, it starts conserving energy—including slowing down digestion
you may also accidentally starve your gut bacteria, which thrive on fiber + variety
your gut bacteria need carbs + variety
good gut bacteria feed on plant fibers + a variety of nutrients. if you’re only eating the same “safe” foods or avoiding things like grains or fruits, your microbiome diversity drops— + that can mean:
more bloating
sluggish digestion
weaker immune health
your body feels the stress
undereating or obsessing over food rules = stress, + stress directly impacts your gut through the gut-brain connection
stress can:
trigger bloating
slow motility (aka constipation)
worsen food sensitivities
even if you’re eating “perfectly,” your gut won’t thrive in survival mode
so, what does your gut actually need?
instead of restriction, your gut craves:
regular meals
enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats
a wide variety of plant foods
relaxation around food choices
less stress + more nourishment
if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of eating super clean, skipping meals + still not feeling your best—your gut might not need more restriction
it instead may need more support, more nourishment + more ease
need help healing your gut with food freedom?
i would love to support you— more info soon on my 1:1 gut coaching program dropping OCTOBER 2025