Grocery Shopping list!

Well, I have talked to several people and I promise this diet is NOT hard or confusing.  I wanted to simplify things a little bit for those who are interested and thought I would start at the grocery store.   There is a way to eat right and save money. 

Rule of thumb in the grocery store - CONCENTRATE ON THE PERIPHERY.  Focus on what you can find on the outside aisles of the grocery store.  I know at most stores, on the very outside of the stores is located the produce and fresh foods.  You will actually save money if you start buying fresh vegetables and cook your own meals as compared to buying things in a box.    I would highly caution anything in a box or can because there are so many hidden "things" in them. 

Here are some other rules when beginning the anti-inflammatory diet.

1.  Cut out COMPLETELY white flours - this includes white pastas, breads, packaged meals and rices.  Even more "whole wheat" breads have "enriched whole wheat" in the ingredients which is actually processed flour.  I would recommend cutting out all breads for at least 2 weeks when you are getting started with this diet.  In moderation, begin to add whole wheat pastas and brown rices back into your diet.

2.  Cut out the high sugary foods - cereal, fruit snacks, granola bars, candy bars, fruit juices.  Make sure you keep an eye on the amount of sugar in ingredients.  For the first 3 weeks I started this diet, I cut out all sugar and only had fresh fruit for my sugar.  After the "sugar withdrawals" that lasted 4 or 5 days, I don't even crave sugar much anymore.  THAT my friends is a miracle.

3.  Increase your amount of veggies - stir fry them.....eat them raw.....eat them ona salad.....roast them in the oven. 

4.  Eat your fruits!

5.  Begin to add the different spices I have pointed out that are high in antioxidents and are anti-inflammatory.  To name a few are cinnamon, ginger, parsley, garlic and pepper. 

What is this about?

So I have just turned 31 and I think a lightbulb went off in my head.  I have been thinking about my life and taking better care of my body.  I now eat Fiber One cereal instead of Lucky Charms and have bought my first anti-wrinkle cream.  I have been researching the "anti-inflammatory foods" and have been curious to try an anti-inflammatory diet.  No I'm not a crazy person who is only going to eat brussel sprouts and tofu, but I am a tree-hugger-grow-my-own-garden-make-my-own-washing-detergent type of person.  This site is dedicated to my journey into the anti-inflammatory lifestyle.  I work in healthcare and see the effects of inflammation daily in my patients and always stress to them to live a healthy lifestyle, but I am trying this out to see if it actually works.  It is not a "diet" but a new lifestyle that I am going to try for 21 days.  I have read that this lifestyle will increase energy and help prevent diseases and cancer. 
So here I go - oh good gracious - that means I can't eat my Walgreens Brand Moosetracks ice cream or crossaints for a while.  I'm going to give it a try and let you know how it goes.