Body-Healthy Foods That Can Reduce Inflammation

When working toward a healthy lifestyle, there's no arguing that it's a full-body approach. Almost everything you consume or do can have an affect on how you feel every single day. That includes a regular sleep cycle, staying hydrated, working out, and as well as a balanced diet. 

To help that process along, check out these foods that can actually reduce inflammation. Incorporate them into a meal and see how much of an effect they can contribute to your full-body approach. 

Bright and colorful veggies – Bell peppers, carrots, beets, and more are all great ways to add nutrition. Registered Dietician, Leslie Graves of Grace, Goals & Guts says this type of produce adds omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce joint pain, lower inflammation, and lessen the risk Alzheimer's and dementia.

Cinnamon – Not only is this stuff delicious, it's a healthy spice to incorporate into your daily routine. Cinnamon has been shown to be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes, Graves says, and can help the body function better as a whole. 

Turmeric – This spice is undoubtedly growing in popularity in recent times. Health-conscious eaters are noticing its perks, like less inflammation, and incorporating turmeric into as many recipes as possible. 

Ginger – Much like turmeric, ginger is making a comeback in its quest to reduce body swelling. It's also pretty tasty, which only helps its cause. 

Finally, Graves says to maintain an active lifestyle for the biggest results in doing away with inflammation. 

"Activity is huge. Not only because it typically helps you lose weight, but it can also help the body burn sugar." And, the more muscle you build up, the more calories that will be burned, even when inactive, she says. 

Try incorporating these items into your diet for a delicious way to start feeling better. 

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Nutrition Fads and How They Affect Trendy Consumers

There's no denying that foods can become more popular over time. With news reports, common demand, and in whatever ways restaurants have adjusted their cooking, some foods are just consumed more often than others. Then something else comes along and becomes equally popular for a certain amount of time. But if you're an informed consumer, one who listens to the media and is always out to try new recipes, chances are you try these fads. You might even jump in head first. But are all of them healthy? And what is following suit doing for your health?

In current trends, chances are they're simply adding nutrition. Items like kale, avocado, quinoa, and more have all made heavy waves in pop culture. However, it was not long ago that it was all about going carb-free, a method that allowed eaters to lose weight, for as long as they didn't eat carbs. Others argued that folks took the diet to an extreme and actually cut out healthy carbs, too. 

Condiments have long since been advertising as fat free, replacing traditional milk or sugar fats with outside ingredients to lower calorie counts. Though lately they've been adjusting labels from "fat free" to "all-natural" in order to accommodate eating trends.

Processed foods and drinks are even getting in on the action too. Likely as a marketing ploy, companies come out with limited releases that raise hype. Think Crystal Pepsi (1992-1993), Doritos and their mystery flavors, Lays' new recipes that must be voted on, and likely tens of flavors of Mountain Dew. Obviously these products are less healthy all on their own, but such adjustments often cause consumers to purchase far more than normal. Due to the urgency that comes from a limited time release. 

In any eating fad, however, it's up to the individual to ensure they're getting the proper amount of nutrition. Whether that means going to a medical professional (or a dietician), or intently reading labels, it's a method to ensuring your body is getting everything it needs. Trendy or otherwise. 

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Clean Eating for Your Health

As one of the latest additions in the healthy living trend, food gurus and the general public alike has invested in "clean" eating. A dietary practice where one tracks where their food came from and what was put in it, vs. establishing a traditional "diet." So far, thousands have jumped on board, joining support groups and subscribing to newsletters that recommend recipes and shopping lists. 

But even though this practice is relatively new, it doesn't take a genius to figure out it's pro-body. Rather than previous meal trends, such as no-carb, points systems, cereal twice-a-day, or meal replacement shakes (depending on what's in them), clean eating doesn't necessarily limit how much one can eat. It simply limits what they can eat. Rather than filling oneself with toxins or chemicals that can't be pronounced (have you read a food label lately), it's filling it with pure nutrients. Items that were fresh grown or farmed, and have a "clean" path to your kitchen. 

It's a regimen that's ideal for those with allergies, or who have been having recent health problems and can't pinpoint the cause. For instance, skin rashes, digestive pains, or even a chance in mood. As well as being a healthy way to ingest more vitamins without necessarily choosing more calories.

Sold? Ready to consider a "clean" menu for your household? Consider talking with a professional, such as your doctor or a nutritionist, especially if dealing with health issues. Together, you can work toward a smart plan to get your body healthy, and with a reduced amount of symptoms. Ideally, with as little side effects as possible – except for all of the good ones. Like an increase in energy and a toned, more efficient body. 

Get started to begin enjoying these benefits (and plenty of others) today. 

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How to Adjust your Summer Diet

Summer is the perfect time of year for a barbeque. Or a nice healthy salad to offset those burgers and steaks. Even plenty of freshly grown veggies that seem to taste way more delicious than in any other season. It’s the summertime diet that so many of us have come to love throughout these warmer months. Many have even found that, during the summer, they tend to eat more of certain foods while avoiding others altogether. Whether due to availability or preference, this can work to greatly change the way you intake vitamins each summer.

For veggie lovers, be sure you are consuming enough protein, whether through meats, beans, or an alternative source. While salads and other homegrown veggies are certainly healthy, they also can’t account for 100% of your daily nutritional value. It’s also a good idea to account for grains and sugars, which can be put into overdrive from potlucks and outdoor get-togethers. And while it’s fun and tasty to try each new dish, it can also cause havoc for your body. You can even ask each cook (in a friendly manner) what type of ingredients he or she used. Oftentimes the healthiest of dishes look far more incriminating than they actually are, and vice versa.

Look at your Liquid Intake

Because it’s hot out, consider opting for additional water consumption to offset any sweating or exertion. Even the smallest amount of movement can work to leave you dehydrated, simply because of the climate. Substances with alcohol or caffeine can also dehydrate the body more quickly, and should be paired with water or another healthy beverage.

These remaining summer months, don’t be discouraged about an upcoming change in your diet. Instead, look toward healthy practices that can be repeated later in the year … no matter what the temperature may be.

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