Simple Anti-Inflammatory Salad
When it comes to reducing systemic inflammation in the body, there are two parts to the equation. One is reducing pro-inflammatory foods—cutting out highly processed convenience foods and eating animal products in moderation rather than excess.
The other half of the equation, though, is introducing anti-inflammatory foods into the diet. As we consume these foods in greater and greater quantities, they can cancel out the pro-inflammatory foods and tip the balance of our overall diet in favor of fighting inflammation.
Because I've experimented with various dietary approaches and I do feel best with some animal products (meat, eggs, organic dairy) in my diet, I simply am mindful of the quantity of animal products I consume (eating a 4-ounce serving of meat instead of 1 lb burger, for example) and then aim to maximize the anti-inflammatory foods I'm consuming along with them.
This tomato avocado salad is one of my favorite snacks—not just because of the potent anti-inflammatory punch it packs, but because it's delicious!!
Because of their lycopene content (an antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory properties), tomatoes commonly make the list of top inflammation-fighting foods—as do avocados, which have even been shown in clinical research to reduce the amount of systemic inflammation in people who eat them with a hamburger, compared to people who eat the burger alone without a slice of avocado.
Add to this salad some extra-virgin olive oil—which, when taken from a high-quality source (I like this one), has been shown to have pain-fighting properties similar to ibuprofen—and you have a salad with some serious inflammation-fighting power!
The other awesome thing about this salad is how very easy it is to make. Chop up one large or two small tomatoes and 1/4 avocado, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and 1 tsp vinegar of your choice (I like this white balsamic), and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper, or even some red chili flakes (which have anti-inflammatory properties of their own).
The way we eat can either diminish our health or improve it. My goal is to help you move toward a health-promoting diet, one simple recipe at a time!
Interested in having the support of a coach to help you work recipes like this into your diet on a regular basis? Check out the programs page to see what's coming up, or email me at the address below to discuss your needs and what programs/services I can offer to help you achieve your goals!
