Today is Day 1 of my anti-inflammation diet. According to Arthritis.org, a person who is just 10 pounds overweight (which means most people) has an additional 40 pounds of pressure on his knees alone. But it’s not just knees. This excess stress affects the entire human system. Says editor of Pain-Free Weight Loss, Brendan Hall: “For most people with chronic joint pain and systemic (total body) inflammation, losing weight should be the #1 priority“.
In the last 6 months, my joint pain and inflammation has begun to interfere with my goals and overall well-being. I looked up the statistics for my weight and height on my Renpho app. and sure enough, I’m almost exactly 10 pounds overweight. I weight 163.2 lbs. and need to hit 153.8 to be in the “Normal” category.
So my goal is to do my version of the Pain-Free Weight Loss plan until I lose 10 pounds, and then set a new goal. My basic plan involves eliminating all inflammatory foods, which for me might be different than for someone else. Since I seem to be having problems with digestion/reflux lately, some anti-inflammatory foods like garlic, onions and tomatoes will not be on my plan, even though they are considered “anti-inflammatory” and healthy.
Here’s the nutrition plan I’ve created for myself:
I’m incorporating intermittent fasting for a number of reasons. For one, I love it. My body much prefers a few decent-sized meals over many (partially-digested) mini-meals throughout the day. I also find that with this reflux issue, hitting the treadmill with food in my stomach in the morning is not good. And, going to bed with a full stomach, also not good. So, my eating window is from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
Approved (by me) Foods:
- Avocado, Walnuts/Almonds, Olive Oil
- Chicken, Turkey, Fish/Shellfish, Eggs/Egg Whites, Lean Beef
- Melon, Bananas, Apples, Blueberries, Raspberries
- Greens, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Asparagus, Green Beans, Potatoes, Cucumbers, Cabbage
- Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Legumes in small quantities
- Ginger Tea
- Juice Plus+ Shake Mix
- Wheatgrass Powder
- Supplements: Multi-vitamin, Vitamin D3, Omega-3s, Curcumin, Probiotics, Juice Plus+ Fruit/Veggie/Berry Capsules
I’ve decided to keep it really clean, so no sauces, salsas, spreads, and I’ll be avoiding the hot spices even though I love them 😦 This is 100% whole foods and my Juice Plus+ shakes. I may or may not take all of my supplements every day, depending on how the digestion is going.
Today for my first meal I had Pan-Seared Salmon, Steamed Green Beans, Red Potatoes and a “salad” with White Peach, Watermelon, Cucumber, White Beans, Basil and a little Kosher sea salt. This was probably one of the best meals I’ve had in ages. It was so delicious, I can’t wait to have it again this afternoon! I think sometimes we forget how delicious simple, high-quality, whole food can be.
