I am convinced that no one loves food more than I – food of every kind, both healthy and unhealthy, and from every region of the world. There’s just one problem, my gluttonous alter-ego conflicts with my otherwise health-oriented self; and no amount of exercise is going to counter the effects of a poor diet. Finding balance is a challenge as it is, but even harder as we enter the holiday season – a time where decadent food is available at every turn.
The problem is simple. Processed foods, excessive meat and poultry, wheat, alcohol, sugary desserts, soda and dairy products can result in one thing: Inflammation. Inflammation is the leading cause of disease, and occurs when the body’s natural ability to heal is blocked by a buildup of toxins and proteins on the nerve endings. Reducing inflammation results in better blood flow, healthier joint and organ function, and a reduction in pain. (You know that nasty injury that seems to flare up for unknown reasons? Inflammation is likely the culprit.)
While I would never advocate eliminating these foods entirely from your diet, since I cannot in good conscious recommend something that I would never do myself, I will offer some tips for keeping your diet and health in balance even over the holidays.
- Add Immune-Boosting, Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Your Menu. Some of my favorites that make the cut are:
- salmon and tuna
- whole grains
- nuts of all varieties
- dark green leafy veggies such as spinach, kale and broccoli
- colorful vegetables like tomatoes, beets and peppers
- berries such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries
- garlic and onions
- ginger and turmeric
- Eat Slowly and Mindfully. My Macrobiotic chef friend tells people to chew each bite of food 100 times. Perhaps this may feel like a bit much for most, but definitely slow down and savor each bite. Not only will it aid in digestion, help you absorb nutrients better, and reduce incidents of gas and bloating, it will also give your stomach a chance to let you know when it is full … which can be as much as 20 minutes after you’ve cleaned your plate if you eat too quickly. The added benefit is taking time to fully enjoy your meal and the people with whom you are sharing it with!
- Take a Walk After Dinner. This should be easy. You know you want to see the holiday lights in the neighborhood as much as I do. Walking immediately following a meal aids digestion, helps burn calories and lowers your blood sugar.
- Drink Your Watt-Ahh! Water aids your metabolism by processing stored fats, dissolving metabolites in your blood, assisting in nutrient absorption and detoxifying your entire body. Additionally, for more than 25 years, top international scientists have studied the anti-inflammatory effects of active hydrogen water. Our bodies are fueled by hydrogen (and associated electrons) – from water we drink and carbohydrates we eat – to form ATP, which supplies energy to our cells, promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
Bon Appétit!
For more information about how Watt-Ahh® can help reduce inflammation, CLICK HERE.