Daily Sample Menu

On epicurious.com a daily sample menu shows you some choices for the Anti-Inflammatory diet.  The menu is listed here and you can go to the website for each of the recipes. If anything looks good, try it! Come back and let us know what you think about them. (Note: Depending on which anti-inflammatory food list you look at, some of the ingredients in the recipes below may or may not be listed as "anti-inflammatory foods".)


Breakfast:**
Citrus salad with Ginger Yogurt


Lunch:
Indian Spiced Carrot Soup with Ginger

Red Bell Pepper, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Salad with Oregano Dressing 


Dinner: 
Pan Seared Salmon on Baby Arugula

Roasted Root Vegetables

** Note to Diabetics: Although grapefruit has positive effects on diabetes, it can interact with medications and lead to serious health consequences. Grapefruit contains compounds that block enzymes' ability to break down certain medications. This leads to medications building up to dangerous levels in the blood, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Consult your doctor before eating grapefruit.

Be Aware of Glycemic Index Carbohydrates

Glycemic Index (GI) defines the differences in carbohydrates according to their effect on blood sugar levels within the body. Foods HIGH on the GI value chart increase blood sugar levels quickly. Foods LOW on the GI value chart keep blood sugar levels relatively steady as they offer the body a chance to digest and absorb nutrients in the foods.  


There are several websites showing Glycemic Index information.  At glycemicindex.com there is an exclusive international database covering a variety a foods and their GI values and carbohydrate content in grams.  NutritionData.com also has a food list ranking the GI value of common foods. These websites offer much more information about food choices.


Although the GI factor clearly impacts diabetic health, some research studies show significant impact on other chronic diseases including insulin resistance syndrome (metabolic syndrome), coronary heart disease in women and the risk of gallbladder diseases. By understanding GI values, you may be able to better manage or perhaps even prevent further complications of chronic diseases. By investigating this factor, you become more proactive in your health care.