When you’re not eating healthy foods, you may be stressed out because you’re breathing harder and don’t have as much energy to do the things you enjoy. Exercising is harder because excess weight can put too much pressure on your knees and feet.
My arthritis feels a lot better when I am eating more protein. I feel like I have so much energy, and I am not reaching for a mid-afternoon snack.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard of the Paleo Diet. Following this diet may improve your arthritis pain, and help you shed some pounds, because you are eating foods in their natural state, and eliminating processed foods.
Other foods to avoid include bread, pasta, beans, and legumes. Eating these healthy foods on a regular basis can reduce inflammation in the body that is causing your arthritis pain.
Toss the Junk Food
When you’re really serious about shedding the pounds, you don’t want to be tempted by your favorite foods. Candies, cakes, cookies, chips, sodas, ice cream, and sugary fruit juices can be donated to a charity, or tossed out in a large garbage bag.
This is easier said than done, and you may be down in the dumps afterward. Visualize how good you will look in your new clothes and how much healthier you will feel.
How to Be Successful On the Paleo Diet:
Stock the Pantry
In order to make flavorful food, you’ll need a variety of spices and seasonings. It may cost more initially, but get everything you need on one grocery trip. Now, you’re ready to prepare your favorite recipes with your own personal touches. Cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil, will give you a good start.
Purchase a Kitchen Scale
I haven’t used a kitchen scale in quite some time, but I need to get back to it. When I “eyeball” a portion it is usually more than I need.
Kitchen scales are easy to use, and the newer models allow you to place your food on the scale and get the correct reading with the touch of a button.
Buy Essential Cookware
Cookware is not cheap, but look for sales in the store and online, and don’t be afraid to comparison shop.
Skillets are an absolute necessity, and it is a good idea to have one larger skillet, and a smaller one when you need it. A stainless-steel saucepan is great for those quick warm-ups, and since you’ll be preparing a lot of fresh vegetables, you’ll need a cutting board and a sharp Chef’s knife for chopping.
A Salad Spinner is a big help when you’re making a salad, and of course, you need measuring cups and measuring spoons to help with portion control.
Make a Meal Plan
Stock up on eggs, meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. You can still have tasty meals, and the Paleo cookbooks feature delicious recipes that tempt your taste buds, without screwing up your diet.
Eggs and fruit make a delicious breakfast, pair chicken with veggies for a healthy lunch, and you can try your hand at making a Paleo meatloaf for dinner.
You’re eating food that you enjoy and reducing your arthritis pain. I call that a win-win situation.
Eat Nuts for Snacks
Most nuts are allowed on the Paleo Diet including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts. Nuts are healthy, but higher in calories, so make sure you’re measuring out the correct amount, and not just eating them mindlessly as you watch your favorite programs.
Summary
The Paleo diet has worked for some people, but it is a very restrictive diet plan, and not everyone can stand that much deprivation. My advice is to give it a try, have fun trying out new recipes and see how much better you look and feel.
