We’re not simply going to list one item that happens to be edible, and then send you on your way without an idea of how to best consume it.
We don’t want to leave you hanging like that.
This list contains actual meal solutions that you can implement starting today to counteract the symptoms of arthritis while you’re sitting at the dinner table.
Bon Appetit!
Lightly sauteed spinach with garlic
Ok, this one sounds boring — but once it hits your lips the zesty bites of spinach are fill-it-up-again delicious. In a frying pan, heat up extra virgin olive oil and toss in a few handfuls of raw, uncut spinach, Dice up some garlic to add in once the spinach is coated by the oil, and toss the pan a few times to get the ingredients nice and mixed together.
The key is to not over-heat the spinach — you want to lightly heat it so that the nutrients contained within can break free, but not fry it to a crisp and kill the nutrition before you have a chance to enjoy it. three minutes on medium heat, following the heating of the oil, should do perfectly.
Gin-soaked raisins
Anyone who argues grapes aren’t good for you has never enjoyed a nice glass of wine at the end of a long day. But you don’t have to choose between red or white to get the benefit.
Instead, get yourself some golden raisins and a bottle of gin. Fill up a wide bowl or glass partially with the raisins, and then pour the gin over them until it forms a nice bath around the raisins. Cover with a thin layering such as cheesecloth and let the raisins sit for one week. Then, you have yourself a nice snack that is powerful in more ways than one (just don’t let the kids get into them!)
If you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to buy that nice bottle of gin, your time has arrived.
Beet salad with walnuts
This recipe is a delicious remedy both for arthritis pain and for those hot summer days that leave you craving something cool and refreshing. Start with some romaine lettuce or spring mix in a bowl. Toss in canned beets, mandarin orange slices, and sliced walnuts. Heck, a fistful of strawberries won’t hurt either!
We recommend a fruity, olive oil-based dressing to really bring the flavor home and dial up those anti-inflammatory benefits.
Pesto pasta and other garlic-heavy Italian food
Yes, you read this correctly. We’re telling you to eat Italian food because — get this — it can actually be good for your arthritis. The super garlicky kind, in particular. Pesto pasta with garlic is the perfect example of what we’re talking about here. Not only are you getting Omega-3s from the olive oil in the pesto, the garlic is known to have properties that can reduce heart disease, cancer, and inflammation — it’s a series sweep of health benefits.
Because let’s face it — lists of recommended foods for arthritis tend to be incredibly heavy on snacks and vegetables but almost entirely lacking when it comes to substance.
Who can eat raw broccoli all day every day? Not us!
So, the next time you’re cruising down the road and see sign pasted in front of an Italian joint that says “Go Garlic or Go Home,” it might be time to pull over for lunch.
Toss some sliced walnuts on there and you’re knocking out two in one!
Salmon Sashimi with garlic
By now, you’re probably catching on to our themes. Here we go with the garlic again, anyway. Salmon, and other high-fatty fish, are chalked full of Omega-3s and have been proven effective at fighting joint pain and inflammation. So, it makes sense that a delicious salmon recipe makes an appearance on this list.
We’re opting for salmon sashimi because it allows the full nutrients of the salmon to remain in their raw form, as part of a recipe that is equally as delicious as you’d find on any restaurant menu.
You’ll need soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh lime and orange juice for the marinade. Slice your salmon into ½ centimeter thick slices off of your original cut of fish (we recommend at least ¼ pound serving per person). Lay the slices out in a mixing bowl, so as to prevent any spilling of the marinade. Drizzle your marinade over the salmon slices, tossing the slices a couple of times to ensure each slice is fully coated.
Then, lay the salmon slices out on a serving tray or large plate. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds. If you’re up for a spicy kick, add a ¼ teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade!
Soy-based veggie burger
This one is a bit of a gimmie, because you can very easily head to the grocery store and buy a soy-based frozen veggie burger. If you have time, however, crafting your own at home makes for a delicious veggie option, a particular treat for those not wanting to eat salmon. The idea is to eat soybeans because they are a high-protein, low-calorie food that goes easily with many anti-inflammatory items like garlic and berries.
Toss in cilantro, lemon juice, and corn for a full-on feast of flavor, and add a chunky salsa to the top for a dose of south-of-the-border flare.
Or, for a quick snack, opt for Edamame — either at home or as an appetizer the next time you go out for sushi!
