Whatever your age, an anti-inflammatory diet is good for your health. But it’s only good for you if you know what it is and know how to use it. (We’re ready to help session in the Hartford HealthCare Bone & Joint Institute‘s demonstration kitchen.)

Our immune system protects our body with a process known as inflammation. It protects us and helps us heal, but when it gets out of control  it can be linked to virtually every major disease  — arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. For young people, an anti-inflammatory diet is particularly effective against juvenile diabetes and chronic asthma. In studies, this diet has reduced the severity of asthma and allergies and even prevented chronic asthma.

For the young athlete, intense exercise without proper recovery period and nutrition, can produce byproducts of chronic inflammation like tendinitis or bursitis.

An anti-inflammatory diet is rich in vegetables, fruits and other fresh foods, some fish and lean meats. That’s just the baseline.

Find out more at upcoming class at the Hartford HealthCare Bone & Joint Institute‘s demonstration kitchen. Each session will feature a breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack/dessert option. Classes cost $50 per person, including fees and supplies.

Juvenile Arthritis: July 23, July 30 (Click on date to register)

Doctors recommend a diet rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients for people with juvenile arthritis, an inflammatory condition. These kid-friendly recipes are loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables. Even the pickiest eaters will love them!

Recipes include sweet banana pancakes, mild/spicy breakfast burritos, muffins and a delicious mock pasta Alfredo, just to name a few.  This class will help your child live well and stay happy and healthy!

Nutrition for Young Athletes: July 17, July 24, July 31 (Click on date to register)

Is your athlete looking to boost their athletic performance? Many people overlook the importance of nutrition on performance, but it can be that one piece to the puzzle that separates the winner and second place. With the heat and humidity rising, as little as 2 percent dehydration can decrease performance and your athlete’s safety from heat related illnesses (heat exhaustion and heat stroke). Most heat-related illnesses occur between May and September.  These recipes are alternative ways to increase your fluid intake prior, during and after exercise.

Here’s a sample recipe that would be appropriate in an anti-inflammatory diet:

Lean Turkey Burgers

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ Pound Ground Turkey (93% lean)
  • 4 White Button Mushrooms
  • 1 Medium Zucchini
  • 2 TBSP Parsley (chopped)
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
  • Cooking spray

Directions:

  1. Using grater, finely grate mushrooms and zucchini into a large bowl.
  2. Mince onions and parsley and add to bowl.
  3. Add salt and pepper then gently mix in ground turkey until mixture is uniform and form 4 patties.
  4. Lightly coat a large non-stick pan with cooking spray and heat over medium flame/heat.
  5. When hot, add ground turkey patties and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until internal temperature is greater than 160 degrees F.

Recipe modified from Racing Weight Cookbook 

Nutrition Facts:

Serves 4

  • Calories: 218 calories
  • Total Fat: 10.4 grams
  • Saturated Fat:  4.1 grams
  • Monounsaturated Fat:  4.6 grams
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.8 grams
  • Total Protein: 30 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 2.3 grams
  • Fiber: 1 grams
  • Sodium: 396 mg
  • Calcium: 39 mg
  • Potassium: 629 mg

For more information about our classes, call 1.855.442.4373.