There’s a freshness in the air. Birds are chirping, the landscape is starting to flourish, and the vibrancy of Spring’s arrival brings feelings of hope and newness.
As the seasons shift and signal a renewal, there is no better time to make changes within your own life. It’s this same attitude that makes Spring cleaning so popular. Now is the time to mix things up and come out a new you. If eating healthier and feeling better are on your Spring to-do list, you have come to the right place. Changing your diet for the better can reduce harmful inflammation and help you feel better in a myriad of ways. So, read on!
Why Inflammation is Harmful
A shocking number of health issues can be traced or linked to inflammation. Typically, this inflammation is a response by your immune system to something that is amiss. In other words, inflammation can be a very good thing but often occurs when it shouldn’t. In cases like these, inflammation—especially of the chronic variety—can be very damaging. Unfortunately, the body’s natural immune system response can also be its worst enemy. Arthritis, cancer, depression, heart disease, and more have all been linked to chronic inflammation.
So, what causes these misplaced inflammatory responses? Everything from stress to unhealthy foods. In fact, poor dietary choices are probably the most common trigger of unhealthy chronic inflammation. Refined carbohydrates, fried foods, excessively sugary beverages, and more can all contribute.
Thankfully, the reverse is also true—a healthier diet can fight bad inflammation and prevent the condition from spiraling into severe health problems.
Spring Smoothies that Fight Inflammation
To fight inflammation and come away a happier, healthier person, why not indulge in delicious Spring smoothies?
That’s right; you can improve your health while enjoying tasty smoothies exploding with Spring flavors. All you have to do is follow the simple steps below to craft scrumptious smoothies that are equal parts yummy and healthy.
Ingredients to Include
Rather than giving you a handful of recipes that you’ll tire of in two weeks, we’ve compiled a list of the best anti-inflammatory ingredients to build your smoothies around. That way, you can create everything from classic berry-based smoothies to wild, one-of-a-kind concoctions.
Berries – Packed with flavor and antioxidants, berries are the perfect addition to an anti-inflammatory Spring smoothie.
Leafy Greens – Everyone knows that leafy greens are good for them, and smoothies make it easy to pack your diet full of these healthy veggies. The best options are chard, kale, and spinach, thanks to their dense amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Tropical Fruits – Renowned for their ability to soothe inflammation in joints, tropical fruits like kiwi, papaya, and pineapple make fantastic additions to your Spring smoothie. As a bonus, the flavors practically sing of warmer weather.
Healthy Fats – You’ve probably heard that fatty acids, like omega 3, are good for you. Unless you want to throw a fish into your smoothie (we don’t recommend it), try adding avocado, chia seeds, or walnuts, all of which have been shown to combat inflammation.
Ingredients to Omit
While you can feel relatively free to create whatever smoothie you crave, there are a few ingredients you should avoid adding to your blended deliciousness.
Sugar – It’s tempting to add sugar to sweeten your smoothie, but this is a surefire way to negate the healthy impact for which you’re aiming. Instead, use natural sources of sweetness, like fruit, to achieve the taste you want.
Refined Carbs – It may seem unusual to add carbs to your smoothie, but trust us, the temptation does present itself. For example, throwing a handful of your favorite childhood breakfast cereal into your smoothie may sound like a good idea, but it can cause inflammation and should be avoided.
As you attempt to create a healthier lifestyle by changing your diet and eating more anti-inflammatory foods, there will be highs and lows. With enough persistence and learning, you’ll soon master the art of smoothie making with ingredients that are good for you and reduce inflammation.
For more information about inflammation, its causes, and how you can fight it, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help you on your journey to better, less inflamed health. We may even have a couple of secret smoothie recipes to share—there’s only one way to find out!