We have all heard about anti-inflammatory diets pretty much everywhere we turn. There are numerous reasons to have this type of eating pattern ranging from disease management, weight loss, depression, cognitive decline, controlling many GI conditions, increasing longevity, cancer, and the list goes on and on. Our common sense tells us plants are good for us and processed foods are not the best choice.
Did you know the #2 driver for cancer is obesity and a condition called Metabolic Syndrome? THIRTY percent of cancers found in Western countries are due to your DIET! Yes, you just read that correctly. That is alarming to say the least. The good news is that means you have control over 30% of the chance you will develop cancer. There are many easy ways to decrease inflammatory foods from your daily diet. Let’s delve into a few simple strategies to get you going.
Try to eat a plant-based diet. Start with small changes such as cutting out meat 4-5 days of the week. And, absolutely NO processed meats. Processed meats are things such as cold cuts, hotdogs, sausage, bacon, etc. Substitute traditional meat for a lean plant-based protein such as tempeh. Incorporate more raw nuts, seeds, and extra virgin olive oil to meals and snacks.
Make 2/3 of your plate vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Try my simple “Veggies are as easy as 1,2,3”! Eat one veggie at breakfast, 2 veggies at lunch, and 3 veggies at dinner. A nice and easy way to get in a couple veggies in the morning is a smoothie or add spinach and peppers to an omelette. This is a fun way to add beautiful color to every plate! I have lots of recipes to help you add some new variety that tastes great.
REMOVE as much added sugars and processed foods as possible. If you do this in a step wise fashion it is easier to succeed. Try removing one processed food vice every week. When you crave a sweet have a small serving of fresh berries or small square of dark chocolate. If it is crunch you need replace chips with carrot sticks. Small changes like these will have a big impact on how you feel throughout the day. Processed foods and sugars leave you feeling sluggish and lower your mood.
If you are ready to make permanent changes to the way you feel, look, and view the power of food check out my services and see if they are right for you. I have many more strategies to share.