Why oh why oh why oh WHY?

Strange title but it will all make sense as you read this post.  Why, when I absolutely, positively know better, would I choose to make inflammatory food choices.  Here is how it went down:

I let the Reuben sandwich and fries on St. Patrick's Day woo me. 

 Last week I let the garlic mashed potatoes side dish tempt me and I caved. 

I allowed the giant cupcake at an adorable little bakery to become my appetizer while waiting for a sandwich on white flour focaccia bread. 

I won't bore you with any more details.  I think you get the picture.  Since the list of my poor food choices goes on and on, it is no wonder that I have been in pain.  I am undisciplined and weak where food is concerned.  However:

I won't give up.

I know how to turn this around.

Here I go.....

Today, I have spent time stocking my refrigerator with my arsenal of anti-inflammatory foods.  I seem to do a lot better if I can see great choices in front of me that are ready to eat.  I have both green and kalamata olives, plenty of avocado, mango, salad fixings, and much more.  I am making a menu plan that will keep me on track and help calm inflammation in my body. This will also help us to resist the temptation to dine out on a whim, where I generally make unhealthy choices. 

I began by putting a cleansing drink in the refrigerator that will keep me hydrated.  I cut up a few delicious Meyer Lemons and added them into a pitcher with water.

Next I made a batch of my Sun dried Tomato Hummus.  This is a favorite of both my husband and myself.  It can be a quick snack as a dip for veggies or whole grain crackers.  It can also be spread on sandwiches and in sandwich wraps or pitas. 

I also whipped up a couple of batches of Salmon Croquettes to keep in the refrigerator.  They can be frozen if you are not going to eat them in a few days.  I enjoy having the croquettes with sliced avocado and kalamata olives on the side.  It is a super charged Omega 3 meal. 

Tonight I will be putting Steel Cut Oats in the crock pot for breakfast tomorrow.  After cooking the oats I add flax meal, cinnamon, and a touch of pure maple syrup. 

It is sometimes hard to realize that I absolutely must give up many foods I enjoy.  However, being pain free without having to take extra medications for Rheumatoid Arthritis, makes the journey worthwhile.   I wish you a healthy and pain-free week :)