Holiday Recipes for Chronic Pain: Eating Right to Manage Pain
The holiday season has arrived, bringing joyous family reunions, the festive glow of lights, and delectable holiday dishes. Unfortunately for those seeking pain management in Western North Carolina, holiday feasts can sometimes exacerbate chronic pain, creating discomfort that hinders festive cheer.
Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas, an Asheville pain clinic with locations in Fletcher, Marion, Waynesville, Murphy & Asheville NC, takes an integrative approach to pain relief by helping our patients choose dietary items that both please their palates and help reduce inflammation. Here are a few delicious yet healthy holiday-season recipes so you can enjoy the season and indulge just a little!
1. Turmeric and Ginger Grilled Chicken
Ingredients for This Recipe:
4 boneless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons of ground turmeric
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
2 tablespoons of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro garnishing as garnishing options.
Instructions:
Combine turmeric, ginger, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl to form a marinade for chicken breasts. Allow them to marinate at least 30 minutes before grilling. Grill chicken until fully cooked (internal temp should be at least 165°F) before garnishing with cilantro for serving.
Why this recipe?
Turmeric and ginger both boast anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease inflammation, providing pain relief.
2. Spinach and Walnut Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients for This Recipe
4 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup dried cranberries (Cranberries can also be frozen)
juice of one lemon
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, toss together spinach, walnuts and cranberries. In a separate bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper until well mixed; drizzle the vinaigrette over your salad just prior to serving.
Why this recipe?
Walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory benefits while spinach boasts numerous vitamins and minerals that provide ample nutritional benefits.
3. Butternut Squash Soup with Flaxseeds
Ingredients for This Recipe:
1 medium-sized butternut squash (peeled and diced)
1 diced onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons flaxseeds
Add salt and pepper as desired (the amounts may differ depending on your tastes)
Instructions:
Simmer onions and garlic until translucent before adding butternut squash and vegetable broth, simmering until squash is soft enough to be blended smoothly and garnishing it with flaxseeds as a finishing touch.
Why this recipe?
Butternut squash contains antioxidants while flaxseeds provide Omega-3 fatty acids - two ingredients which may help with pain management.
Diet and Pain Management Are Intertwined
At Comprehensive Pain Consultants of the Carolinas, our approach goes beyond conventional pain relief solutions. We recognize the role holistic health—which includes physical, mental and dietary wellness—this can play a big role in relieving discomfort. By selecting foods with anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric or green tea extract as anti-inflammatories for example - patients not only experience tasty dishes but can help their bodies with pain management as well.
If you or any of your loved ones need guidance with selecting healthy dietary choices or other pain management solutions in Western North Carolina, Our Asheville area pain clinic's team is here to assist. Visit one of our convenient locations in Fletcher, Marion, Waynesville, Murphy & Asheville NC. We strive to make sure that this holiday season remains joyful and pain-free!
Let's celebrate this holiday season in style by making healthy and delicious selections - dishes that warm our hearts, tantalize our tastebuds, and contribute to overall well-being. On behalf of everyone at Comprehensive Pain Consultants of Carolinas, we wish you an enjoyable and comfortable celebration!