Your diet is the main catalyst in weight loss, but it isn’t just about counting calories. Studies have shown that reducing inflammation may be the solution to help you reach your desired weight. A major problem that has been found to be responsible for many health problems, inflammation has recently been attributed to obesity, too. Certain foods that contain inflammatory properties may actually interfere with your body’s ability to lose weight as it normally would.
Government studies have shown that people with chronic inflammation are at a high risk for certain health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Inflammation may also be linked to autoimmune diseases that affect mostly women, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid deficiency.
In several studies, it has been proven that a diet rich in certain foods helps to reduce inflammation, reset your chemistry and allow you to lose weight. The list contains many of the super foods that pack lots of vitamins, nutrients and aid in indigestion. These foods act as natural forms of ibuprofen, to reduce or stop inflammation.
If you are concerned with your weight and want to reduce inflammation, the below list of foods are some you might want to consider adding to your diet. I have listed a variety of foods, separated by food groups.
Eat a handful of nuts for snack or toss seeds or nuts on a salad or whole grain dish. Nuts and seeds are loaded with protein and nutrients. Choose any of the following to help reduce inflammation. These should be eaten raw and unsalted.
Nuts and Seeds: Flaxseeds, Almonds, Walnuts, and Sesame seeds
Fruit: Apples, Pomegranates, Blueberries, Cherries, Cranberries, Grapes, Grapefruit, and Oranges
Whole Grains: Barley, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Quinoa, Rye, and Wheat
Beverages: (unsweetened) Blueberry juice, Cherry juice, Green tea, Pomegranate juice, Vegetable juice, Grape juice, and Red wine
Vegetables: Arugula, Bell peppers, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Leeks, Onions, Romaine lettuce, Scallions, Shiitake mushrooms, Spinach, and Tomatoes
Herbs and Spices: Basil, Black pepper, Cardamom, Chives, Cilantro, Cinnamon, Cloves, Garlic, Ginger, Parsley, and Turmeric
Fish: Flounder, Salmon, Sole, Tilapia, Sardines, and Tuna
Dairy: Egg whites, Yogurt (Yogurt should be plain and nonfat)
Other: Olive Oil, Cocoa
Eat lots of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables as often as possible. Make regular trips to your nearby produce or farmer’s market, so you can get a variety of fruits and vegetables as they come into season.
Avoid processed foods and high-density carbohydrates. They are high in calories, sodium, sugar and preservatives. Limit your intake of alcohol and carbonated sweetened Beverages, such as soft drinks.
Make healthy eating a part of your life and you will see positive results. Add exercise to the menu to burn calories and fat and keep your body strong. Your heart needs cardiovascular exercise to stay in tip top shape. By staying active and eating a healthy diet, you can avoid the onset of many illnesses that are a result of inflammation. Make the decision today to take control of your life, your diet and your health.