With all of the different diet types out there, from gluten-free to alkaline, it can be tough to keep track of what’s okay and what isn’t. While the ins and outs of the gluten-free diet have become relatively mainstream, other diets, like the anti-inflammatory diet, still haven’t had their moment in the public spotlight. It’s said that the anti-inflammatory diet can help combat issues such asdigestion problems, fatigue, moodiness, issues with weight management, and food cravings. Inflammation also happens to be seen as the root cause of many diseases, like arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. However, you should always consult a professional when dealing with any of these problems, but one of the ways that we can help ourselves is by introducing more anti-inflammatory foods into our diet.
So, what can you eat an on an anti-inflammatory diet? Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale, broccoli, sweet potato, legumes like lentils and cooked beans, cauliflower, and soy-based products like tofu and tempeh all have the green light. You’re not limited in the types of fruits you can consume, but anti-oxidant rich ones like blueberries and cherries are at the top of the list. Whole grains, especially sprouted whole grains, and whole grains-based pastas and breads are also great — the key to enjoying bread and pasta on an anti-inflammatory diet is to avoid processed wheat flours. Last, but not least, are green tea, garlic, and turmeric, which are easy to include in your everyday diet.
As it happens, the anti-inflammatory diet also happens to share a lot in common with the alkaline diet. So, if you’re also interested intrying alkalizing recipes, check out Curious About Alkaline Foods? Try These 15 Delicious Vegan Recipes!Then come back for these 15 anti-inflammatory recipes from our Food Monster App.
1. Turmeric Falafel
Source:Turmeric Falafel
Chickpeas are wonderful. One of the great things about these healthy little guys is that you can mash them and form them into balls to top salads, or use them as a sandwich filling. Florian Nouh‘sTurmeric Falafel are moist and fluffy, and with a teaspoon of turmeric and just a teaspoon of olive oil, they are flavorful, but not too heavy.
2. Green Edamame Spinach Hummus Pesto
Source:Green Edamame Spinach Hummus Pesto
Jenny Mustard‘s Green Edamame Spinach Hummus Pesto is packed with anti-inflammatorygoodness. Edamame, cooked spinach, and tahini are blended together to create a sauce unlike any other. It’s smooth like hummus in its texture, yet it tastes like pesto. Serve it over whole grain pasta or enjoy it as a dip.
3. Deep Dish Falafel Pizza
Source:Deep Dish Falafel Pizza
Fresh-cooked chickpeas and beets are both great for an anti-inflammatory diet and Anthea Cheng‘s unique Deep Dish Falafel Pizza has got it all! It starts with a crust of chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices. Once crispy from the oven, it’s topped with a vibrant beet hummus and vegetables of your choice. The finishing touch is a layer of cheesy tahini sauce that gets spread over the vegetables once they’ve roasted.
4. Crunchy Fresh Broccoli Salad
Source:Crunchy Fresh Broccoli Salad
Christin McKamey‘s Crunchy Fresh Broccoli Salad is the perfect lunch for an anti-inflammatory diet! It’s also versatile, to meet all of your mealtime needs! It can be rolled up in a whole grain tortilla or sandwiched between rustic bread for a quick and portable lunch that’s light and delicious.
5. Kale and Chickpea Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Source:Kale and Chickpea Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
If you are under the impression that veggies are just meant to be side dishes, you have to try Maria and Alyssa Tosoni‘s amazing Kale and Chickpea Stuffed Spaghetti Squash! It’s filled with anti-inflammatory ingredients sautéed kale, chickpeas, and toasted almonds. It’s filling, wholesome, and tastes as good as it looks!
6. Beet and Quinoa Veggie Burgers
Source:Beet and Quinoa Veggie Burgers
Alyssa Rimmer‘sBeet and Quinoa Veggie Burgers simply gorgeous, with that vibrant reddish purple shining through. They also have a slightly meaty texture, making them excellent additions to your favorite veggie burger rotation. To make this meal suitable for an anti-inflammatory diet, just be sure to use whole grain bread or serve it over a salad of dark, leafy greens!
7. Pesto Broccoli Sweet Potato ‘Rice’ Casserole
Source:Pesto Broccoli Sweet Potato Rice Casserole
Alissandra Maffucci‘sPesto Broccoli Sweet Potato Rice Casserole by itself is a filling and surprising meal. Surprising? Yes! You won’t believe it’s not real rice! The sweet potato rice cooks to a perfect consistency in 40 minutes in the oven. The savory flavors of the pesto pair well with the sweetness that comes from the potato when roasting — just substitute the vegan mozzarella for nutritional yeast and you’ve got an anti-inflammatory friendly meal!
8. Braised Cauliflower With Chickpeas, Tomato, and Kale
Source:Braised Cauliflower With Chickpeas, Tomato, and Kale
Steph McKercher‘s Braised Cauliflower With Chickpeas, Tomato, and Kale is comfort food at its best. In this recipe, whole cauliflower is braised until tender in a mixture of tomatoes, chickpeas, and kale. This one-pot anti-inflammatory meal is light on seasoning, yet it is savory, a little cheesy, and satisfying. This meal is an ideal date-night dinner, especially when followed up with a refreshing dessert.
9. Baked Sweet Potato With Pesto Pasta, Tomatoes, and Pumpkin Seeds
Source:Baked Sweet Potato With Pesto Pasta, Tomatoes, and Pumpkin Seeds
Looking for an easy dinner that packs a big nutritional punch? This bowl of Baked Sweet Potato With Pesto Pasta, Tomatoes, and Pumpkin Seedsby Emily von Euw will make you glow from the inside out. The whole grain pasta is mixed with a delicious pesto with kale, basil, oregano, avocado, walnuts, and nutritional yeast. The sweet potato is baked to perfection and the other ingredients are fresh and delicious. You can stir everything together or eat them separately. Either way you devour this, it’s delicious.
10. Lentil Loaf With Smoked Paprika Glaze
Source:Lentil Loaf With Smoked Paprika Glaze
Flavorful, tender and moist without being sticky — that’s Lee Khatchadourian-Reese‘sLentil Loaf With Smoked Paprika Glaze. The glaze adds the perfect, smoky touch to this hearty, but anti-inflammatory dish packed with lentils and vegetables. This is guaranteed to become a staple in your household for the months to come.
11. Sweet Potato, Quinoa, and Red Lentil Stew
Source:Sweet Potato, Quinoa, and Red Lentil Stew
This isn’t your typical lentil stew — the addition of sweet potato and quinoa not only boosts its nutritional profile, but they also adds a textural counterpoint to the soft red lentils. This Sweet Potato, Quinoa, and Red Lentil Stewby Kelly Williams is versatile, too. Carrots could easily stand in for the sweet potatoes and, if you prefer a creamier soup, a splash of coconut milk will do the trick. Just don’t leave out the lemon juice!
12. Curry Spice Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas
Source:Curry Spice Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas
Christina Bedetta‘s Curry Spice Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas will be a staple as the days get shorter and colder. The roasted elements of the dish combine beautifully with regards to both texture and flavor when paired with warm cooked quinoa. This is the ultimate curry-spiced dish for anyone unfamiliar to spice, or any spice-lovers that appreciate simplicity.
13.Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Pasta
Source:Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Pasta
Taryn Fitz-Gerald‘s recipe for Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Pasta is a rich and nourishing dish, full of flavor and goodness. Vibrant red tomatoes and bell peppers — both of which are great for an anti-inflammatory diet — are combined with roasted garlic, spring onions, and dried herbs of your choice into a smooth and savory sauce. Serve this easy dish on busy days, topped with nutritional yeast, black pepper, and fresh basil.
14. Curried Tofu
Source:Curried Tofu
If you ever needed the perfect, end-all-be-all tofu recipe for your household, then look no further. Molly Patrick‘s Curried Tofu is crispy, flavorful, so easy to make, and anti-inflammatory! This is best served with your favorite grains and dark, leafy greens or vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
15. Vegetable Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Source:Vegetable Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Rachael Campbell‘s recipe for Vegetable Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is fantastic for the whole family! It’s packed with lentils (which you can substitute for other types of beans), mushrooms, more vegetables, and a yummy sweet potato crust. Comfort food is the best, especially when it’s this nourishing.
There are so many things that you can eat on an anti-inflammatory diet! Which recipe do you want to try first? Tell us in the comments. And don’t forget to download our Food Monster App for more! The app has over 15,000 vegan and allergy-friendly recipes.
Lead image source: Curry Spice Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas
