Your diet can actually trigger or tame inflammation, so what you eat is key. In my Anti-inflammatory Guide, find out what to eat and what to avoid to help calm inflammation, why ginger is an anti-inflammatory must have, and the diet that I follow for keeping inflammation at bay: The Mediterranean Diet!  Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains and olive oil are central to the cuisine in this area of the world. I love that this way of eating focuses on anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy, and nutrient-rich foods, while giving you room to mix things up. It truly is an easy way to eat, and it makes you feel so good - filled with energy, pep and positivity! 

If you want to try the Mediterranean Diet, try these three steps - and make my recipe, courtesy of Fit Over 50: Your Anti-Inflammation Guide!

1.Add a fruit and/or a vegetable to every meal. The more produce, the better! You will be upping your fiber intake (great for gut health!), adding antioxidants to your diet, and produce can help to keep you feeling fuller, longer, so you may end up consuming fewer calories, too. I add a piece of fruit to my breakfast oatmeal, focus on veggie-rich salads or soups for lunch, and try to make two vegetable sides for dinners. Plus I snack on whole fruits and veggies during the day!

2.Eat more nuts. They help to lower LDL cholesterol (which is considered "bad" cholesterol), lower inflammation, and provide fiber, protein and omega-3s - all are so good for your overall health! They can be high in calories, so be mindful of your servings. 

3.Swap in olive or avocado oil for your other oils. These oils are much healthier - they are less processed and contain more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and beneficial antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory benefits for the body. I use olive oil in my baked goods now - it adds a luxurious depth!

Want to put these tips into action? Grab your keepsake copy of Fit Over 50: Your Anti-Inflammation Guide on newsstands now for dozens of recipes like this one!

Healthy Aging Oatmeal

Courtesy of Fit Over 50: Your Anti-Inflammation Guide

Ingredients

1/4 cup steel-cut oats (use gluten-free oats if following a gluten-free diet)

4 oz. of almond, oat, or whole milk

1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed

Pinch of salt

Dash of cinnamon

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1/2 banana, sliced

1 Tbsp. walnut halves

Instructions

Put oatmeal, milk, flaxseed, salt, and cinnamon in a pot. Stir and cook as directed on the oatmeal package. Top with fruit and nuts, and start your day with a delicious, filling, energizing anti-inflammatory breakfast!

Let's live FIT, HAPPY and HEALTHY - together!!

Denise