Following an anti-inflammatory diet is arguably much easier when you know what tasty recipes fit the bill.
An anti-inflammatory diet can look different from person-to-person, but there are certain triggering foods that should be avoided or limited [1], like processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and anything containing high levels of sugar and dairy. Most importantly, you should add whole ingredients [2] that contain antioxidants and healthy fats, like leafy greens, grass-fed meat, turmeric, and ginger.
These diverse cookbooks will give you endless inspiration for incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients into your meals, without sacrificing flavour and indulgence. From vibrant Mediterranean recipes to creative preparations of veggies, they are all about food that tastes and feels good.
The Anti-Inflammation Cookbook
The Anti-Inflammation Cookbook: The Delicious Way to Reduce Inflammation and Stay Healthy [4] ($21) was written by cookbook author Amanda Haas in collaboration with New-York-based physician Dr. Brad Jacobs. It explains which foods are helpful in reducing inflammation and provides recipes using those foods. The book has some famous fans, too. Celebrity chef Tyler Florence calls it "inspirational" and Ayesha Curry says the recipes are "incredibly insightful and healthful, yet still full of flavour."
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook
One of the most popular diets, the Mediterranean diet is not only good for your gut, but also good for your heart and cognitive health. The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day [5] ($20) has over 500 recipes from Italy, Greece, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and Lebanon. The diet is heavy on anti-inflammatory foods, like fish and vegetables, with fewer recipes devoted to meat and poultry. With over 3,000 5-star Amazon ratings, this cookbook definitely deserves to be added to your rotation.
My New Roots
From health blogger Sarah Britton, My New Roots: Inspired Plant-Based Recipes for Every Season: A Cookbook [6] ($30) offers a crash course in plant-based cooking techniques. Follow the step-by-step instructions to make your own nut butter at home and learn how to properly cook grains.
The Whole30 Cookbook
The Whole30 program is all about eliminating inflammatory food groups [7] including sugar, grains, dairy, alcohol, and legumes. Written by co-creator Melissa Hartwig, The Whole30 Cookbook: 150 Delicious and Totally Compliant Recipes to Help You Succeed With the Whole30 and Beyond [8] ($17) has over 150 recipes and tips to efficiently meal plan while following the month-long diet. One Amazon reviewer described the recipes as "easy and flavourful without any modifications."
Living Lively
This plant-based cookbook was written by the youngest certified integrative health coach in America, 19-year-old Haile Thomas. Living Lively: 80 Plant-Based Recipes to Activate Your Power and Feed Your Potential [9] ($19) wants to help boost your confidence and emotional wellbeing in addition to your physical health.
Whole Food Cooking Every Day
Amy Chaplin's Whole Food Cooking Every Day Cookbook: Transform the Way You Eat With 250 Vegetarian Recipes Free of Gluten, Dairy, and Refined Sugar [10] ($26) has earned praise from publications and fans alike. It also won the James Beard Award for Best Book in Vegetable-Focussed Cooking. There are over 250 gluten, dairy, and refined sugar-free recipes that encourage readers to cook with nutrient-forward whole ingredients.
Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes
There are lots of health benefits to a vegan diet, including reduced inflammation [11]. Bryant Terry's Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes [12] ($19) is a guide to vegan recipes that don't involve meat substitutes, instead using spices and techniques to enhance the flavour of veggies.
The Beauty Chef Gut Guide
The Beauty Chef Gut Guide: With 90+ Delicious Recipes and Weekly Meal Plans [13] ($22) lays out an 8-week program to "repair" your gut. The Carla Oates book also provides more general wellness advice and breaks down the science behind gut health.
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