When I think about my food choices, my number one goal is optimal nutrition. With that in mind, here is a general list of the foods I want to include and those I want to avoid. I’m choosing foods that reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation in our bodies, scientists are finding, is the cause of many, if not all of our ills. Inflammation has been tied to allergies, asthma, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. In the last few years, it’s become clear that inflammation is the enemy in our bodies to fight. If we want optimal health, eliminating and preventing inflammation is a key way to do it. (Good article on Conscious Choice on this topic)

Foods I will be avoiding:

• Grains: wheat/gluten
• Dairy: Cheese, eggs, milk (kefir and whey protein will be an exception)
• Fats: butter, shortening, margarine
• Protein: beef, soy, tofu, eggs
• Desserts: anything with sugar, HFCS/corn syrup
• Nuts: peanuts
• Vegetables: corn, potatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes
• Drinks: alcohol, coffee, milk, soft drinks

Foods I will be including:

• Grains: rice, tapioca bread, teff, amaranth, quinoa
• Fats: cold-pressed oils including safflower, sesame, walnut, vegetable, coconut oil
• Protein: wild fish, legu8mes/beans, free-range/organic chicken
• Desserts: fresh fruits, desserts sweetened with natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses, maple syrup, Stevia, agave syrup
• Nuts: all nuts and seeds except peanuts and only in moderation
• Fruits: focusing on getting high nutrition powerfood fruits, and minimizing high glycemic fruits (like watermelon, cantaloupe, raisins)
• Vegetables: All veggies except those mentioned above — focus on getting leafy greens and powerfood vegetables.
• Drinks: water, non-caffeinated and herbal teas, hemp milk

Notice I’m saying foods to avoid and those I will encourage. I’m not pushing for perfection or 100% compliance to these food choices. I am pushing for a lifestyle shift, where the majority (say 90% or more) of my diet comes from anti-inflammatory foods. I’ll share my favorites foods as I go along. I already know a few that I already love and will be sharing.