Let me get one thing clear right off the bat. Even though I’m talking about the anti-inflammatory diet today, I don’t consider it a diet at all. When I think of a “diet” I think of something you “go on” for a period of time, usually a short period of time, and then go back to some other, less desirable way of eating.
That’s not what this is all about.
This is a lifestyle.
The anti-inflammatory diet is a way of eating that you can sustain. It’s meant to be your forever diet. And it’s a way of eating that promotes long-term, vibrant health.
It’s not about yo-yoing, counting calories, or measuring portions. It’s actually less about your weight and more about your health.
And no, it’s not a fad. It’s more about inclusion of wholesome, nourishing foods than it is about restriction of certain foods.
As my second cookbook that centers around the anti-inflammatory diet is about to be released (preorder here!), I thought it was the perfect time to address just what it means and WHO the anti-inflammatory diet is for. (My first, Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health can be found here.)
Hint: It’s for EVERYONE.
What is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
The anti-inflammatory diet is designed to decrease inflammation in the body. While intermittent, temporary bouts of inflammation that are directed at a specific invader are normal and necessary to keep you healthy, when inflammation becomes chronic and ongoing, that’s a problem.
Almost every major disease you can think of has been linked to chronic inflammation. The research is there and the good news is that we can fight it with food.
In a nutshell, the anti-inflammatory lifestyle is about loading up on the nourishing foods that help fight or prevent chronic inflammation while avoiding or limiting foods that are known to cause inflammation. You can find my Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid Lists here.
The main emphasis is eating fresh, whole foods, lots and lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans, and healthy fats.
See? It’s not a fad diet. It’s a long-term, healthy lifestyle.
Who is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet For?
Without a doubt, the anti-inflammatory diet is ideal for those who are faced with autoimmune disease, chronic health conditions, or major illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
But it’s also for those of us who are trying to avoid these diseases and conditions. In other words, it’s for everyone.
If you are someone who has a chronic health issue or disease, you may approach the anti-inflammatory diet in a more strict way than someone who is trying to live a preventive lifestyle. It may look slightly different from person to person. But everyone can benefit from following the principles of an anti-inflammatory diet.
How Do I Get Started?
If it’s a huge lifestyle change for you, don’t feel like you have to do it all at once. Take baby steps. Start by adding 1-2 more servings of fresh vegetables to your day. Then start to cut out inflammatory foods like fried foods and refined carbohydrates. Print out the food lists and take it slowly.
The goal is that eventually you will arrive at a lifestyle that’s sustainable. You want it to be something that is ingrained in you, a part of who you are and what you’re about. It can and will become your second nature to eat nourishing, wholesome foods. Your body will crave them.
I love showing people how uncomplicated and delicious eating this way can be. Please check out my anti-inflammatory diet recipes and if you love Instant Pot cooking (or want to try it!), my new cookbook, I Love My Instant Pot Anti-Inflammatory Diet Recipe Book is a perfect for you!
Please reach out if you have questions or need help in any way. I’m here for you!
Your article is very helpful for me who has been diabetic for 10 years, thank you very much