Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (2024)

Clean Eating Meal Plans Anti-Inflammatory

This 7-day meal plan is packed with healing, anti-inflammatory foods that can fight the symptoms of inflammation from inside.

Spinach & Chickpea Curry with Turmeric Blend

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Inflammation: It’s the hottest buzzword in health and wellness, and it’s a concern that almost everyone faces. Both incredibly common and widespread throughout the body, inflammation can wreak havoc from head to toe. And you might not even realize that inflammation is occurring. Chronic inflammation can manifest in some surprising ways, causing symptoms that don’t directly or obviously seem related. But if left to run wild, inflammation can cause problems in your gut, your joints, your ability to exercise, your sleep schedule and even your energy levels. The fix? Nourish your body with this one-week anti-inflammatory meal plan.

How, exactly, can you combat chronic inflammation with a meal plan? While there are plenty of factors at play when inflammation arises, you can always look to the foods you’re eating to help nourish your body, soothe inflammatory symptoms and potentially even target the underlying causes. It’s all possible if you fill your plate with foods that offer proven anti-inflammatory properties.

Try this one-week meal plan, and you’ll learn how to kick off an anti-inflammatory eating approach. You can then incorporate these recipes and their ingredients into your diet for the long-term. And for more clean eating advice, expert insight, tips and recipes on fighting inflammation, make sure to check out our Eat Clean Guide on inflammation.

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The recipes

Berry Delicious Smoothie

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (1)

Prep this delicious fruit-filled protein smoothie first thing in the morning or whenever you need an energy boost! Get the recipe here.

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (2)

This super-simple curry gets volumes of flavor – and an anti-inflammatory punch – from a DIY curry blend that starts with turmeric. Get the recipe here.

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (3)

Squash stands in for rice in this remake of the traditional Spanish dish. Get the recipe here.

Turmeric Ginger Latte

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (4)

Both ginger and turmeric have incredible anti-inflammatory properties, making this soothing and delicious latte really good for you. Get the recipe here.

Cashew Maple Banana Pudding with Orange-Scented Berries

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (5)

This four-ingredient vegan pudding makes a perfect protein-packed breakfast. No berries? Top with whatever fruit you have on hand. Get the recipe here.

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (6)

Chickpeas and walnuts add protein to this spinach salad to fuel you through busy afternoons. Roast the beets in advance for quicker assembly. Get the recipe.

Poached Chicken

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (7)

It may not be the first cooking method that comes to mind when you think of chicken, but poaching is a great way to cook lean proteins that have a tendency to dry out. Get the recipe here.

Yellow Rice

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (8)

Ground turmeric adds flavor and a bright yellow color to this rice, while also imparting hefty anti-inflammatory benefits. Get the recipe here.

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This week’s menu

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Total Nutrients
Monday 1 Berry Delicious Smoothie 1 serving (save leftovers) 1 serving (save leftovers); 1 Turmeric Ginger Latte Calories: 1,418Fat: 76 gSat. Fat: 30 gCarbs: 140 gFiber: 36 gSugars: 65 gProtein: 56 gSodium: 1,386 mgCholesterol: 62 mg
Tuesday 1 serving Cashew Maple Banana Pudding with Orange-Scented Berries (save leftovers) ; 1 Turmeric Ginger Latte 1 serving (leftovers) 1 serving (leftovers) Calories: 1,448Fat: 76 gSat. Fat: 33 gCarbs: 129 gFiber: 22 gSugars: 58 gProtein: 53 gSodium: 1,263 mgCholesterol: 62 mg
Wednesday 1 serving Cashew Maple Banana Pudding with Orange-Scented Berries (leftovers) 1 serving (save leftovers) 1 serving (leftovers) Calories: 1,540Fat: 94 gSat. Fat: 18 gCarbs: 110 gFiber: 23 gSugars: 51 gProtein: 53 gSodium: 1,869 mgCholesterol: 62 mg
Thursday 1 Berry Delicious Smoothie 1 serving (leftovers) 1 serving (leftovers) Calories: 1,510Fat: 94 gSat. Fat: 15 gCarbs: 121 gFiber: 37 gSugars: 58 gProtein: 56 gSodium: 1,992 mgCholesterol: 62 mg
Friday 1 serving Cashew Maple Banana Pudding with Orange-Scented Berries (leftovers) 1 serving (save leftovers) 1 serving Poached Chicken (save leftovers); 1 serving Yellow Rice (save leftovers); 1 Turmeric Ginger Latte Calories: 1,423Fat: 54 gSat. Fat: 28 gCarbs: 152 gFiber: 20 gSugars: 51 gProtein: 75 gSodium: 706 mgCholesterol: 98 mg
Saturday 1 serving Cashew Maple Banana Pudding with Orange-Scented Berries (leftovers) 1 serving (leftovers) 1 serving (save leftovers); 1 Turmeric Ginger Latte Calories: 1,586Fat: 90 gSat. Fat: 32 gCarbs: 150 gFiber: 29 gSugars: 67 gProtein: 40 gSodium: 1,111 mgCholesterol: 0 mg
Sunday 1 Berry Delicious Smoothie 1 serving (leftovers) 1 serving Poached Chicken (leftovers); 1 serving Yellow Rice (leftovers) Calories: 1,485Fat: 72 gSat. Fat: 10 gCarbs: 144 gFiber: 35 gSugars: 51 gProtein: 78 gSodium: 1,435 mgCholesterol: 98 mg

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Shopping list

Proteins and dairy

  • 1½ lb mussels
  • 2 or 3 links chorizo
  • 2 15-oz BPA-free can chickpeas
  • 2 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 container vanilla protein powder
  • 1 qt unsweetened almond milk

Veggies and fruits

  • 2 butternut squash
  • 3 small yellow onions
  • 1 small red bell pepper
  • 2 heads garlic
  • 18 oz baby spinach
  • 1 bunch fresh basil
  • 1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 bag frozen peas
  • 5 bananas
  • 2 avocados
  • 1 bag frozen blackberries
  • ½ qt mixed berries
  • 1 orange
  • 1 14-oz BPA-free can diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
  • 5 large beets

Whole grains

  • 1 bag brown rice

Nuts, seeds and oils

  • 1 bottle avocado oil
  • 1 bottle coconut oil
  • 1 bottle olive oil
  • 1 13.5-oz BPA-free can full-fat coconut milk
  • 4 oz walnuts
  • 11 oz raw unsalted cashews

Pantry staples

  • 1 carton low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 bottle apple cider vinegar
  • 1 bottle ground turmeric
  • 1 bottle sea salt 
  • 1 bottle ground ginger
  • 1 bottle dry mustard
  • 1 bottle ground cinnamon
  • 1 bottle cayenne pepper
  • 1 bottle pure maple syrup
  • 1 bottle raw honey
  • 1 bottle saffron threads

Your 1-Week Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan: Fight Inflammation and Start Working Towards Better Health (2024)

FAQs

What is the best anti-inflammatory meal plan? ›

Any dietary pattern containing lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, gut health-promoting foods, Omega-3 fats, herbs and spices tends to be most beneficial to your health and anti-inflammatory lifestyle.

What is the number 1 anti-inflammatory diet? ›

In terms of well-known diets, the Mediterranean diet may be the most beneficial in helping people get inflammation under control. It emphasizes omega-3s, vitamin C, polyphenols, fiber-rich foods and other known inflammation fighters.

What happens to your body when you start an anti-inflammatory diet? ›

An anti-inflammatory diet can help lower your blood pressure, boost your mental health and cognitive function, and relieve other chronic issues.

How long does it take for anti-inflammatory diet to reduce inflammation? ›

The Anti-Inflammatory way of eating can take a while to be effective. Try it for at least six weeks or longer. Eventually, it should become a habitual way of eating to keep you healthy long-term. vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and fruits while also keeping your glycemic load low.

What foods to eat to get rid of inflammation in the body? ›

Berries, fatty fish, nuts, leafy greens, oatmeal, and olive oil can all be part of an anti-inflammatory diet. But it's best to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. What meat is anti-inflammatory? The Mediterranean diet includes anti-inflammatory omega-3 rich fatty fish.

What is a good diet for inflammation to lose weight? ›

Choose fish, poultry, beans, and nuts; limit red meat and cheese; avoid bacon, cold cuts, and other processed meats. Eat a variety of whole grains (like whole-wheat bread, whole-grain pasta, and brown rice). Limit refined grains (like white rice and white bread).

What is the #1 most inflammatory food? ›

Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats. Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals. Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries. Sodas and other sweetened drinks.

What is the number 1 natural anti-inflammatory? ›

1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.

What is the number one way to reduce inflammation? ›

Make time to exercise

“Regular exercise is an excellent way to prevent inflammation,” Dr. Gray says. Be consistent with exercise. Make time for 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise and 10 to 25 minutes of weight or resistance training at least four to five times per week.

What is the #1 best drink to reduce inflammation? ›

There's no single best drink to help reduce inflammation. However, some anti-inflammatory tonics may work better than others, including: baking soda and water. parsley and ginger green juice.

What are the 10 worst inflammatory foods? ›

What Are the 10 Worst Foods for Inflammation According to Experts...
  • 03 of 10. Soda and Other Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. ...
  • 04 of 10. Trans Fats. ...
  • 05 of 10. Refined Carbohydrates. ...
  • 06 of 10. Red Meat. ...
  • 07 of 10. Processed Meats. ...
  • 08 of 10. French Fries and Other Deep-Fried Foods. ...
  • 09 of 10. Ultra-Processed Foods. ...
  • 10 of 10. Alcohol.
May 5, 2024

Does an anti-inflammatory diet really work? ›

While anti-inflammatory diets are effective at reducing inflammation and improving symptoms, saying that they are a cure for autoimmune and chronic conditions is an overstatement. A person should adopt an anti-inflammatory diet to support appropriate medical treatment, not to replace it.

How long does it take to flush out inflammation? ›

After an injury, you may wonder how long it will take for the inflammation to go away. “If it's acute inflammation, usually it takes a few days,” says Dr. Kaplan. But chronic inflammation doesn't develop overnight, and it can't be treated overnight, either.

How to get inflammation out of your body? ›

Healthy eating tips to help reduce inflammation
  1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. ...
  2. Choose high-fiber carbohydrates. ...
  3. Eat more fiber. ...
  4. Choose plant-based and leaner animal protein sources. ...
  5. Be conscious of your fat sources. ...
  6. Reduce the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet. ...
  7. Reduce your sugar intake. ...
  8. Limit or avoid alcohol.
Nov 16, 2023

What is the best anti-inflammatory diet? ›

To reduce levels of inflammation, aim for an overall healthy diet. If you're looking for an eating plan that closely follows the tenets of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.

Are eggs ok on an anti-inflammatory diet? ›

Functional foods such as eggs contain a variety of essential nutrients and vital components including egg proteins, phospholipids, lutein and zeaxanthin that curb inflammation. The vitamin D present in the eggs modulates the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the anti-inflammatory diet for your guide to success? ›

Foods that may help manage inflammation include:
  • oily fish, such as tuna and salmon.
  • fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cherries.
  • vegetables, including kale, spinach, and broccoli.
  • beans.
  • nuts and seeds.
  • olives and olive oil.
  • fiber.

What is considered a pro-inflammatory diet? ›

[10] The 9 proinflammatory food groups include refined grains, high- and low-energy beverages, tomatoes, seafood other than dark-meat fish, vegetables that are not leafy greens or dark yellow, and processed, organ, and red meats.

References

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