My mom got a new knee last week (a bionic one!). She’s 82yrs young and before I know it, she will be outrunning everyone. She asked the doctor what she should do before surgery to help her recover post surgery. Besides her exercise, she was told to eat an anti-inflammatory diet. The anti-inflammatory diet is not a specific regimen but rather a style of eating. An anti-inflammatory diet favors fruits and vegetables, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, lean protein, healthful fats, and spices. It discourages or limits the consumption of processed foods, red meats, and alcohol.
My mom and I are super close. And while we are so much alike, we are so different. And truth be told, my mom loves food (way more than I do!) and our eating habits are so different. She prefers steak and cottage fries over salmon and sautee spinach. And she loves a bag of chips and a sandwich. And she has rarely met a dessert she didn’t like.
So, what foods was she supposed to eat? An anti-inflammatory diet should combine a variety of foods that are rich in nutrients, provide a range of antioxidants and contain healthful fats. Foods that may help manage inflammation include:
oily fish, such as tuna and salmon
fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cherries
vegetables, including kale, spinach, and broccoli
beans
nuts and seeds
olives and olive oil
fiber
raw or moderately cooked vegetables
legumes, such as lentils
spices, such as ginger and turmeric
probiotics and prebiotics
tea
some herbs
For a start to your morning, click here for a healthy recipe.
No single food will boost one’s health, it is important to include a variety of balanced healthy foods! To be well balanced you have to live well balanced. For more information and a hand to help guide you, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com
PS- post surgery, my mom is doing great!