By Maritza Molina
Personal Trainer in Manhattan

Experiencing pain in your body during the Holidays?
Start a New Year pain-free!
Remember that what we put in our bodies can affect the way we feel. The more anti-inflammatory foods we consume the quicker we can get rid of any inflammation in the body which can cause pain, limitations in movement, and swelling among many other things.
Here are some nutritional tips to help you lower the inflammation in your body which will therefore affect the amount of pain you feel. Remember that when our bodies are receiving anti-inflammatory foods and foods in their natural state we are able to heal faster.
Cut back on your sweet consumption
• Eat fresh fruits
• Avoid buying juices, instead make them yourself at home by either juicing or making a smoothie.
Prepare or buy fresh foods
• Prepare your foods at home whenever possible
• Buy fruits and vegetables at the Farmer’s Market whenever possible.
• Avoid eating foods that have preservatives and additives, not only does this increase the amount of inflammation in the body
• If you cannot read and/or understand the ingredients avoid it.
• Avoid/limit caffeine and other stimulants, Alcohol, which stimulates the nervous system and can cause your heart to beat fast, anxiety
• Avoid/limit Tobacco
Consume some Omega 3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation in your body
• The following are a few of many sources that contain a good amount:
Flaxseeds, Walnuts, vegetable oils.