Anti-Inflamatory or Paleo diet

[gatos3]

I am recently new to the forum and need ideas.  I am no longer able to do much food preparation. Cooking is now frustrating and exhausting.  I have checked out quite a few paleo and anti-inflammatory cookbooks from the local library. The paleo recipes seem overwhelming to prepare, the ingredients are expensive and incredibly limiting.

The anti-inflammatory cookbooks and recipes seem a little easier.  However, what is considered to be an "inflamatory" food varies from one book to another.

I would appreciate thoughts, opinion and suggestions.  I would welcome any and all thoughts about paleo vs anti-inflammatory food preparation and for cookbooks with very simple and quick recipes. I am so tired of vegetables and long for some type of bread or rice or pasta! Thank You, "gatos"

[lawelch]

I started the anti-inflammatory diet last fall, following Dr Andrew Weil's food pyramid. I was having a lot of pain in my feet and hands that I couldn't seem to get
relief or answers for.
I read on some of  the Sjogren's FB support groups that people believed this diet made a difference in two weeks.  I was not a believer but decided to try it anyway.  I actually noticed a difference in a week!  In about two weeks the pain in my feet was mostly gone.   My Rheumatologist believes it was more the plaquenil kicking in, I had just been on it about four months.

I also started doing Yoga about the same time and I found that the stretching was so helpful. I have lost around 30 lbs and felt much better... until the stomach issues started back again.

I agree that it can be frustrating! I have read other books/versions of the anti-inflammatory diet that are different or contradictory, but I found Dr. Weil's works best for me. I was much stricter with the diet when I first started but I do the best I can. I too miss the pasta, breads, etc.!    What I stick to the most is a lot less processed foods, less red meat (I eat more fish, chicken, turkey), less dairy, little to no sweets/baked goods, no artificial sweeteners or added sugar,  less breads & pastas (if I do eat it, I try to go with wheat or added Omega 3 brands), and I eat a lot more fresh fruits and vegetables.

I saw on Good Morning America the shows doctor talked about the Paleo diet and he said he did not think it was as healthy as the anti-inflammatory or Mediterranean diets.  Like everything else, I think you do what works best for you.

I have noticed I'm suddenly experiencing more gastro issues and a lot of foods are upsetting to me, not just the foods that are bad for you but healthy stuff as well, especially when I eat the wheat products. I have used some gluten free products and do notice a difference, but I have not gone gluten free.

I haven't bought any cookbooks but I do Google recipes or look on Pinterest.  Sorry I'm not much help, I kind of feel like we are experiencing similar frustrations! Just try different things and go with what works best for you.

[quilt4fun]

       I have gone gluten free, ( 10 months  now) missed it at first, but I got used to it.  The Gluten free breads you find in stores are not that great.  I have used Red Mill mixes- the bread is good toasted, but doesn't work well for sandwiches-crumbles a lot.  I have tried various cookie mixes , pancake and biscuit mixes and they are fine.   
      I also avoid all night shades--they are really hard on my stomach--no tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and very little potatoes.  Sweet pot. are OK.
      I also avoid all grape products, cucumbers, almonds  alcohol.  Nothing with artificial color (Lake #'s).  I find that a lot of chocolate also gives me problems,  Most of these were recommended by my Sjogrens Dr. 
And the results:    I don't feel bloated, my stomach is much happier, my skin is less sensitive, less joint pain, and I've lost 7 pounds.
   I believe we are all different, we need to experiment and see what works for  us.  I cook rather plainly--lots of veggies and fruits with little seasoning (salt and herbs),  low fat meats.  No canola oil,  use olive, safflower, peanut oil or butter.  Trying to avoid all "additives" where ever possibles.
  You have to be a real label reader!