Life Changing lifestyle change – What is Anti Inflammatory
When people talk about anti-inflammatory lifestyles, it’s more than just a wellness trend. But what does "anti-inflammatory" actually mean, and why should we care about inflammation?
What is Anti-Inflammatory?
Anti-inflammatory refers to choices—like foods, activities, and habits—that reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can become harmful, potentially leading to conditions like autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and digestive issues. An anti-inflammatory lifestyle aims to calm these responses, reducing stress on the body and promoting healing.
Why Should I Care About Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation often goes unnoticed until symptoms—like fatigue, weight gain, and joint pain—become too much to ignore. Over time, inflammation can contribute to various health problems, from heart disease to autoimmune disorders. Addressing inflammation can make a huge difference in how you feel every day and in the long-term health of your body.
My Story
When my health struggles began, I felt completely out of control. Within six months, I had gained 60 pounds, and no matter how many diets or workouts I tried, my body wouldn’t respond. My diagnosis of Hashimoto’s gave me some answers, but traditional approaches didn’t provide the relief I hoped for. Then, a few years later, I found out I also had endometriosis, and I was left feeling stuck, wondering if I’d ever feel good in my body again.
Finally, I decided to work with a functional nutritionist. We started with some foundational changes: going gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. I expected this to feel restrictive, but instead, it was the opposite. I didn’t have to count calories, weigh food, or stress over macros. For the first time, I was able to simply listen to my body’s natural hunger cues. I focused on real, whole foods with ingredients I could recognize and trust.
To my surprise, I was never hungry or deprived. I enjoyed meals that were not only satisfying but also nourishing. This freedom from constant restriction was life-changing. Within four months, my body began to change. I lost all 60 pounds that I’d gained, my energy returned, and I started to feel like myself again. Two years later, I was even able to go off thyroid medication, and my endometriosis stopped progressing.
A Life-Altering Commitment
When I first committed to the initial 28 days with my functional nutritionist, I was intimidated. The idea of changing how I’d eaten my whole life felt daunting. Little did I know, those 28 days would spark a long-term transformation, teaching me to nourish my body with real food and heal from within.
That experience inspired me to create a wellness journal for others beginning this journey. My 28-Day Wellness Challenge guides you step-by-step through the first month of anti-inflammatory eating, making the transition as smooth and supported as possible. You can learn more about it here.
Looking back, the journey wasn’t just about weight loss or specific diagnoses—it was about reclaiming my health and learning to trust my body. This anti-inflammatory lifestyle has brought me a kind of peace and confidence I never thought possible.
