Nutritional guides

The traditional "food pyramid" by design, will make your pain worse. Many of the foods are pro-inflammatory, and do nothing but increase nerve irritability, and prolong your body's natural healing process.

Many of the "healthy" choices recommended are very much the opposite. A good example of just a few of these pro-inflammatory foods are milk, breads, grains, and starches.

There is no "pyramid" for eating the right foods We have outlined below some of the best choices for eating for a pain-free life. Be sure to check back periodically for easy-to-use downloads for daily reminders!

Remember, eat right + sleep right + exercise right

What should I eat?

Shopping at the local grocery for foods that promote healing, and act preventative against injury and illness are actually easier to find than you may think. Most people look closely at the "nutritional label" on the side or back of the box. Ignore that completely from now on, and remember these time (and effort) saving tips:

1- Ignore nutritional labels

If the product you are holding has an "ingredients" or "nutrition" label, put it back on the shelf. Think of it this way, a naturally occurring product needs no explanation...or else apples and broccoli would grow with one attached.

2- Eat raw...often and in large quantities.

Eating foods in their naturally occurring state is the healthiest way to eat. Not only do you save prep time, but you preserve the important vitamin and mineral content as well. If from a trusted source, meats should be included as well.

3- Limit store exploration

Everything you need to eat to promote healing and overall health can be found in just two main areas of any grocery store. The produce section, and the butcher counter (not the deli; "lunchmeats" are not healthy "meats") Buy only fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and fresh meats.

4- Think "outside the box"

If the food you are about to buy comes in a box, it is usually unhealthy. This is especially true if there are claims of "fat-free", or "healthy". You are smart...you do not need to be informed that something is healthy...you know the difference. If it has been manufactured, processed, or altered by man in any way...chances are its not healthy.

Shopping with these recommendations in mind can seem strange at first, and you may have to learn all over again how to prepare meals. Thant's okay, take your time, and set realistic goals. The important thing is taking the first step, no matter how small.

Be sure to check back soon for meal ideas, and recipies that will help you prepare healthy, nutrient-rich meals.