Hannah Holscher, a registered dietitian and microbiome researcher, leads a busy life balancing her professional commitments and family responsibilities. As an educator at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she imparts knowledge about nutrition while raising two young boys, ages three and six. Despite her expertise, Holscher admits she isn't overly strict about her diet but emphasizes the importance of fiber for gut health. Her daily routine reflects a practical approach to nutrition, focusing on incorporating essential nutrients without stringent restrictions.
Holscher's typical day begins with a nutritious breakfast of overnight oats made with whole rolled oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, milk, berries, and honey. Her mornings set the tone for a health-conscious day, aligning with her belief that fiber is crucial for optimal gut health. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the recommended daily intake of fiber is 10 to 15 grams, but Holscher aims for around 25 grams. She states, "I work really hard to try to prioritize consuming different plant-based foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes."
Lunchtime often finds Holscher opting for a snack rather than a large meal due to her hectic schedule. Despite this, she remains committed to incorporating fiber-rich foods throughout her day. Her philosophy is clear: "What happens is, if you don't get enough fiber, then the bugs, or the microbes that are very important [and] that line your entire gastrointestinal system, they don't get what they need. So they don't have that good material to chomp on [and] they start chomping on the gut lining," explains Dr. Kellyann Petrucci.
Dinner in the Holscher household is an interesting affair, thanks to her husband's culinary skills. "Dinner can get really interesting. My husband does all of our cooking in our household. I'm super lucky," Holscher shares. With a penchant for experimenting with flavors, he brings his Pakistani heritage into the kitchen. "Just last night, he made chicken burrito bowls. So we had chicken, avocado, black beans and a corn and onion salsa that he made," Holscher recounts.
Her husband's creations often include legumes and spices like chickpeas, lentils, and turmeric, further contributing to their fiber intake. These meals not only support gut health but also add variety and enjoyment to their diet.
Outside of her home life, Holscher collaborates with her team to analyze biological samples and large data sets. Their work aims to deepen the understanding of the microbiome and inform dietary practices for improved health and well-being. She has also gained recognition as a celebrity nutrition expert and New York Times best-selling author.