Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (2024)

Weekly Dinner Plan

ByStephanie Wilson

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A week of anti-inflammatory dinners is perfect for the last full week of August. Much like the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory foods are simple, delicious, and super healthy.

Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (1)

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Healthy anti-inflammatory foods can help fight chronic inflammation. And these foods just happen to be utterly delicious too. Not only do they help alleviate inflammation, they are satisfying and rather perfect for this last full week of August.

Why is it important to manage inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural response your body takes when injured. It sends blood to the site of the injury, creates swelling to protect it. As the body heals, the swelling subsides and the body begins to function normally.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, has a much different effect. “With chronic inflammation, the body continues to react as if there is an injury present.”

In such cases, “your body never gets a chance to rest and re-set. The immune system is constantly on guard, and fighting.”

Studies show that inflammation and its damage can be reversed with simple changes. An anti-inflammatory diet is one of them.

Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to eat?

An anti-inflammatory diet is similar to a Mediterranean diet, which I love, and follows many of the same principles:

  • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
  • Choose whole, unprocessed foods
  • Focus on fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats (like olive oil)
  • Sharply decrease refined flours and sugars
  • Add spices to combat inflammation like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne and cloves.

“The anti-inflammatory diet more specifically includesfoods that play a role in reducing chronic inflammation, like antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as cherries, berries and dark leafy greens, and also has increased emphasis on healthy fats from avocado, fish and nuts.”

A handy resource is Dr. Andrew Weil’s book Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Avoid

Here is a quick list of foods to avoid when eating an anti-inflammatory diet.

  • Fried foods
  • Refined carbohydrates
  • Refined sugar
  • Processed meats
  • Red meat (beef, steak, hamburger)
  • Unhealthy oils (most vegetable oils)
  • Added fats

Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: Foods to Focus On

Instead, try incorporating these anti-inflammatory foods into your daily diet.

  • Fish
  • Nuts, including natural nut butters without any added sugars
  • Seeds
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains (quinoa, bulgur, oats, brown rice, whole wheat and more)
  • Fruits, especially cherries, berries, pomegranate
  • Vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, cruciferous veggies and beets
  • Avocado
  • Olives and olive oil
  • Unsweetened fermented dairy products, like yogurt and kefir

Have a wonderful week!

RELATED: More 31Daily Dinner Ideas >>

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Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22)

Healthy Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22)

This week we're focusing on a week of anti-inflammatory dinners, perfect for the last full week of August. Much like the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory foods are simple, delicious, and super healthy.

1

Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (2)

Monday: Tofu Salad

Photo Credit:www.allrecipes.com

"The crunchy vegetables are the perfect partner for the soft tofu. Studies show thateating soy-based foods such as tofu has beneficial health effects, including reduced risk of inflammation-related diseases."

2

Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (3)

Tuesday: Vegetarian Instant Pot Chickpea Curry

Instant Pot Chickpea Curry recipe is an easy favorite. A simple pressure cooker curry recipe ready in 20 minutes, packed with chickpeas, tomato, and kale. Serve with Jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite grain.

3

Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (4)

Wednesday: White Bean & Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi

Photo Credit:www.eatingwell.com

"Sun-dried tomatoes are the star of this recipe— providing texture and umami. Combined with the spinach, they make this dish a great source of vitamins C and K."

4

Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (5)

Thursday: Roasted Salmon & Tomatoes with Garlic & Olives

Photo Credit:www.eatingwell.com

"Keep the mess to minimum with this easy sheet-pan dinner. Cherry tomato halves roast alongside salmon fillets and make a delicious topping combined with olives, garlic and thyme in this easy fuss-free dinner."

Serve with 3/4 cup cooked quinoa to round out the meal.

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Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (6)

Friday: Greek Turkey Burgers

Photo Credit:www.foodiecrush.com

"These light and juicy turkey burgers are going Greek, with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and feta cheese." Look for a whole grain, sourdough or rye buns for serving for their anti-inflammatory properties.

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Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (7)

Gluten Free Date Bars (No Added Sugar)

Photo Credit:sunkissedkitchen.com

These Oatmeal Walnut Gluten Free Date Bars are seriously dreamy! They make the perfect energizing on-the-go snack, and are a healthy option because they are free of added sugars.

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Anti-Inflammatory Dinners: What to Cook (Aug 22) (2024)

FAQs

What is no 1 anti-inflammatory food? ›

Anti-inflammatory Foods

One form of these powerful inflammation fighters is found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna, striped bass and anchovies. You can get the benefit from eating the fish or by taking fish oil supplements. Vegetarians and vegans have options, too.

What foods can I eat to get rid of inflammation? ›

Anti-Inflammatory Diet Types
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Whole grains.
  • Beans and legumes.
  • Nuts and seeds.
  • Olive oil as your main fat source.
  • Fatty fish.
  • Low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
  • Seasoning with herbs and spices.
Sep 27, 2023

What pasta is anti-inflammatory? ›

For individuals with gluten-related disorders, consuming gluten-free pasta made from alternative grains, such as rice, corn or quinoa, can help alleviate inflammatory symptoms.

How can I make my meals anti-inflammatory? ›

Season foods with anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, sage, and thyme. Make oily fish your primary protein. Consume alcohol, processed meat, and dairy rarely. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.

What drink kills inflammation? ›

Ginger contains a compound called gingerol which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. This makes ginger tea the ideal drink for anyone suffering from chronic inflammation. Whilst plain ginger tea is a popular option, you could also opt for lemon and ginger or a spiced ginger tea if you like your drinks a little sweeter.

What meat is anti-inflammatory? ›

In fact, pasture-raised chickens, pigs, lambs, and cows have higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids than corn-fed animals. Research even shows less disease among people who opt for meat from grass-fed animals over conventional.

What are the 10 worst inflammatory foods? ›

What Are the 10 Worst Foods for Inflammation According to Experts...
  • 03 of 10. Soda and Other Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. ...
  • 04 of 10. Trans Fats. ...
  • 05 of 10. Refined Carbohydrates. ...
  • 06 of 10. Red Meat. ...
  • 07 of 10. Processed Meats. ...
  • 08 of 10. French Fries and Other Deep-Fried Foods. ...
  • 09 of 10. Ultra-Processed Foods. ...
  • 10 of 10. Alcohol.
May 5, 2024

What is the strongest natural anti-inflammatory? ›

  1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. ...
  2. Curcumin. ...
  3. S-adenosylmethionine. ...
  4. Zinc. ...
  5. Green tea. ...
  6. Frankincense. ...
  7. Capsaicin. ...
  8. Cat's claw.

Are salads good for inflammation? ›

Additionally, plenty of foods can give you a good boost of antioxidants to combat that inflammation. To tame your inflammation, try a variety of green leafy salads—they're a great way to include many different antioxidant-rich foods in your day.

What are the best noodles for inflammation? ›

Soba noodles offer anti-inflammatory benefits

“Buckwheat's flavonoid content1 has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties2 that could help cardiovascular function by helping to lower blood pressure and fight free-radical damage in the body," Michalczyk says.

What is the best anti-inflammatory bread? ›

Refined grains, such as the grains found in white bread and white pasta, are known to increase inflammation across the whole body. Sourdough bread and rye bread are both good options for an anti-inflammatory diet. The best sourdough and rye bread varieties to reduce gut inflammation are those made from whole grains.

What is the number one food to fight inflammation? ›

Anti-inflammatory foods

green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. nuts like almonds and walnuts. fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.

Are potatoes anti-inflammatory? ›

Generally, it is believed that the anti-inflammatory properties of potato are also related to proteins with protease inhibitor activity.

What is a whole food anti-inflammatory diet? ›

To fight inflammation, go for whole, unprocessed foods with no added sugar: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils), fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, a little bit of low-fat dairy, and olive oil. "To these, many people add herbs and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.

What reduces inflammation fast? ›

Healthy eating tips to help reduce inflammation
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. ...
  • Choose high-fiber carbohydrates. ...
  • Eat more fiber. ...
  • Choose plant-based and leaner animal protein sources. ...
  • Be conscious of your fat sources. ...
  • Reduce the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet. ...
  • Reduce your sugar intake. ...
  • Limit or avoid alcohol.
Nov 16, 2023

Are eggs good for inflammation? ›

Functional foods such as eggs contain a variety of essential nutrients and vital components including egg proteins, phospholipids, lutein and zeaxanthin that curb inflammation. The vitamin D present in the eggs modulates the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis.

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