January Gut Calm After 60
A simple January gut calm strategy for healthy aging. How I use ginger, turmeric, and purple cabbage plus chickpeas, spinach, and avocado to support digestion and feel better after 60.
January Gut Calm After 60: My Ginger, Turmeric, and Purple Cabbage Trio
Quick reminder before we dive in: this post is part of my January focus foods series, where I’m sharing the foods I lean on in winter to support energy, strength, and feeling good after 60. Today we’re zooming in on my little January trio that helps everything feel more balanced: ginger, turmeric, and purple cabbage. If your digestion gets cranky in winter, this one is for you.
Let’s talk January.
A lot of people want to focus on weight in January, but honestly, my favorite thing to focus on is this:
A calm gut.
Because when your digestion feels better, everything feels better.
Your energy is steadier.
Your cravings chill out.
Your mood is better.
And you feel more motivated to keep going.
So instead of doing a bunch of complicated stuff, I lean on three simple January foods that show up in my kitchen on repeat:
Ginger
Turmeric
Purple cabbage
I call it my January trio.
Why this trio feels so good in January
January meals can get heavy fast. Comfort food is everywhere.
This trio helps keep things balanced without turning life into a food project.
It is simple, it is flexible, and it works with what you are already eating.
Ginger is my “make everything better” food
Ginger is one of those foods that just fits into real life.
I use it:
In smoothies
In tea
In dressings
In warm bowls
Stirred into simple meals
It gives meals that little bright kick that makes everything feel less blah.
Turmeric is my tiny daily boost
Turmeric is not magic. It is just one of those simple habits that adds up.
I sprinkle it on:
Roasted sweet potatoes
Chickpeas
Soups
Warm grain bowls
It is easy. It is consistent. And it makes me feel like I am taking care of myself in a very real way.
Purple cabbage is the underrated January hero
I love purple cabbage because it is:
Crunchy
Fresh tasting
Easy to prep
And it lasts longer than most greens
It also makes meals feel fun and colorful when everything outside is beige.
And if you are trying to thrive beyond 60, eating more color is one of those simple longevity habits that makes a difference over time.
My “calm gut bowl” formula
If you want one repeatable meal that feels supportive, try this:
Purple cabbage + spinach
Chickpeas
Avocado
Sunflower seeds or pistachios
Ginger turmeric dressing
That is fiber, protein, healthy fat, and color.
And it is satisfying.
Two easy recipes I use all week
Nothing complicated here. Just simple.
Ginger turmeric dressing
Olive oil
Lemon or orange juice
Grated ginger
Turmeric
Salt and pepper
Shake in a jar. Done.
Crunchy winter slaw bowl
Shredded purple cabbage
Spinach
Chickpeas
Avocado
Pistachios or sunflower seeds
Drizzle of dressing
This is my favorite “I do not feel like cooking but I want to eat like a grown adult” meal.
Quick note on protein after 60
I am always going to mention this because it matters.
If you want January longevity to support strength, energy, and staying independent, protein needs to be part of the rhythm too.
I keep it simple.
Chickpeas. Eggs. Yogurt. Fish sometimes. Whatever fits your flex.
You do not have to be perfect. You just have to be consistent.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle, especially if you have existing conditions or take medication.
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