17 Anti-Inflammatory Recipes for Weight Loss (2024)

Inflammation is a natural part of everyday life but when it goes into overdrive is when it can cause issues and make things, like losing weight, difficult. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious foods that help to minimize inflammation to get you back on track with your weight loss goals. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the anti-inflammatory diet also has a focus on healthy whole foods, which is what you'll find in these delicious recipes. Loaded with legumes, high-fiber whole grains, good-for-you fats (like salmon and olive oil) and tons of veggies, these anti-inflammatory recipes are naturally lower in calories (thanks to all those veggies) to help you lose weight. From soups and salads to oats and lentils, there is something for everyone on this list.

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Chicken & Spinach Soup with Fresh Pesto

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This fragrant, Italian-flavored soup takes advantage of quick-cooking ingredients--boneless, skinless chicken breast, bagged baby spinach and canned beans. It features a simple homemade basil pesto swirled in at the end to add a fresh herb flavor. If you are very pressed for time, you can substitute 3 to 4 tablespoons of a store-bought basil pesto. Recipe by Nancy Baggett for EatingWell. Source: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016

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Fall Chopped Salad with Spinach, Butternut Squash, Apples & Cheddar

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Who says spinach salads are only for spring? Use autumn's tender crop of fresh spinach and other seasonal vegetables to make this fall salad with roasted butternut squash, apples, cheddar and pecans. This colorful and healthy salad would be a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving menu, but there's no reason to save it for holidays--serve it along with chicken or pork for a healthy weeknight dinner, or turn it into a main course by adding some chickpeas or chopped chicken or turkey. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019

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Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes, Beans & Almond Pesto

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Looking at a tangle of spaghetti squash tricks your brain into thinking you're about to eat a serving of eggy noodles, when in fact, you get a nice calorie and carb savings in this healthy recipe. Giving tomatoes a stint in a hot oven makes them candy-sweet. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2017

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Chickpea & Potato Curry

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This fast Indian-style curry comes together with ingredients you most likely have on hand, like frozen peas and canned tomatoes and chickpeas. Plus, using these spices shows how simple it is to make a curry sauce for an easy vegetarian recipe. Serve with whole-wheat naan to sop it all up. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

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Smoky Slow-Cooker Black Beans with Collard Greens

Cooking black beans in a slow cooker with a ham hock gives them a wonderful smoky flavor. Don't forget to soak your beans overnight for the creamiest, most luscious results. Serve over brown rice with lemon-curry collard greens for an easy healthy dinner that's super-satisfying. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

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Fattoush Salad

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Red cabbage gives this fattoush salad extra crunch. Recipe adapted from New Arrival Supper Club chef Maysaa Kanjo. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2020

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Cauliflower Chicken Nachos

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Swapping in tender-crisp cauliflower slices for chips in these cauliflower nachos ups your veggie servings for the day. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2020

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Edamame Lettuce Wrap Burgers with Peanut Sauce

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Edamame make these homemade veggie burgers mean, green protein machines. Peanut sauce, curry paste and quick-pickled carrots give them Thai-inspired flair. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2020

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Stew

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Potatoes and beans make this tomato-based crock-pot vegetable stew super-hearty. You could also add briefly sautéed chunks of zucchini or fresh corn kernels just before serving, or add another can of cannellini beans for more substance. A dollop of pesto on top is also super-delicious. Adding homemade garlic croutons is an easy way to elevate this healthy dinner. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

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Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & Vegetables

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When you want pasta in no time, couscous is your best friend! The tiny pasta balls cook up in minutes, and absorb all the water so you don't have to fuss with draining. Tossed with sautéed vegetables plus leftover chicken, it's a fast and tasty meal in a bowl that's perfect as an easy dinner recipe. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2019

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Salmon-Stuffed Avocados

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Canned salmon is a valuable pantry staple and a practical way to include heart-healthy omega-3-rich fish in your diet. Here, we combine it with avocados in an easy no-cook meal. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2019

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Savory Oatmeal with Cheddar, Collards & Eggs

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Have you tried savory oats yet? It's a nice change-up from the sweet way oatmeal is typically served, plus you get a full serving of vegetables. Serve with hot sauce, if desired. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2018

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Chicken & Vegetable Penne with Parsley-Walnut Pesto

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Homemade pesto may seem daunting, but in this quick pasta recipe you can make a simple sauce in minutes while the pasta water comes to a boil. You can substitute frozen green beans and cauliflower for fresh; in Step 4, cook the frozen vegetables according to package directions before tossing with the pasta and pesto. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2019

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Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup

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In this flavorful soup recipe, sweet potatoes simmer in a quick coconut curry, resulting in a creamy, thick broth punctuated by notes of garlic and ginger. We love peanuts for their inexpensive price and versatile flavor. They're also a great source of protein--1 ounce has 7 grams. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2019

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Whole-Grain Salad with Charred Broccoli, Spring Onions & Parsley-Sumac Vinaigrette

For this easy healthy salad, chef Hugh Acheson shows the power of charring vegetables as a way to add interest to a salad. This flexible recipe can be made with a variety of whole grains, such as wheat berries, farro or pearl barley. The salad revels in the spring arrival of radishes, spring onions and bright green parsley. Sumac, which is commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking, adds a touch of tartness. Look for it in well-stocked spice sections at your market. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2019

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Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Pasta

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The combination of slightly smoky grilled eggplant and sweet tomatoes is delightful. The eggplant-tomato mixture served over whole-wheat pasta with fresh basil and a bit of salty cheese makes an easy, healthy weeknight dinner. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2019

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Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Pozole

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This healthy vegetarian take on the Mexican stew pozole gets tons of flavor from poblano peppers, ancho chile powder and dried herbs and spices, while cannellini beans provide substance, protein and fiber. Chewy hominy--corn that has been treated with lime to remove the tough hull and germ--is integral to the stew. Look for it in cans in the Latin section of your supermarket. Serve the stew with shredded cabbage, radishes, fresh cilantro and sour cream. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2019

17 Anti-Inflammatory Recipes for Weight Loss (2024)

FAQs

What is the fastest way to lose inflammation weight? ›

Exercising regularly will help you lose excess weight and naturally fights inflammation. Getting plenty of quality sleep will help you feel more energetic and balance your hormones so you can stay active and reduce inflammation.

What is the number 1 anti-inflammatory diet? ›

In terms of well-known diets, the Mediterranean diet may be the most beneficial in helping people get inflammation under control. It emphasizes omega-3s, vitamin C, polyphenols, fiber-rich foods and other known inflammation fighters.

What is the best homemade drink for inflammation? ›

Here are seven research-backed drinks that can help fight inflammation in your body.
  1. Baking soda + water. ...
  2. Parsley + ginger green juice. ...
  3. Lemon + turmeric tonic. ...
  4. Bone broth. ...
  5. Functional food smoothie. ...
  6. Matcha anti-inflammatory tonic. ...
  7. Greens and berries smoothie.
Mar 16, 2023

Do anti-inflammatory foods help you lose weight? ›

Also, an anti-inflammatory diet was not developed with weight loss in mind, but it is likely that eating a diet high in many low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, like fruits, vegetables and beans, and low in processed foods and added sugars, will lead to weight loss.

How do you get rid of inflammatory belly fat? ›

Exercise and dieting helps you lose belly fat

Strength training (exercising with weights) may also help fight abdominal fat. Spot exercising, such as doing sit-ups, can tighten abdominal muscles, but it won't get at visceral fat. Diet is also important.

What drink kills inflammation? ›

Some beverages that have shown to reduce markers of inflammation include: Coffee. Fruit/vegetable concentrates (100% orange juice, pomegranate juice, tomato juice, blackcurrant juice, tart cherry juice, cranberry juice, mandarin juice, red orange juice, 100% Concord grape juice, beet juice) Green tea.

What are the worst foods for inflammation in the body? ›

The five types of foods that cause inflammation include: Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats. Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals. Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries.

What are the top 3 inflammatory foods? ›

Here are some top foods that cause inflammation—and how to limit them.
  1. Added Sugars. ...
  2. Processed Meats. ...
  3. Highly Processed Foods. ...
  4. Refined Carbs. ...
  5. Too Many Omega-6s (and Not Enough Omega-3s) ...
  6. Trans Fats. ...
  7. More Than 2 co*cktails. ...
  8. Artificial Sweeteners.
Sep 23, 2023

What are the 10 best foods to fight inflammation? ›

10 foods that fight inflammation
  • Unprocessed olive oil.
  • Vegetables (aim for a rainbow of colors on your plate)
  • Garlic.
  • Walnuts.
  • Seeds and nuts.
  • Fruits.
  • Beans.
  • Whole, unprocessed grains.

What can I drink before bed for inflammation? ›

Green and White Teas

Rich in polyphenols and catechins, these teas come with properties that not only reduce inflammation but can also regulate your immune system, which can be helpful in protecting the body against the cold during the winter.

What is the strongest natural anti-inflammatory? ›

  1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. ...
  2. Curcumin. ...
  3. S-adenosylmethionine. ...
  4. Zinc. ...
  5. Green tea. ...
  6. Frankincense. ...
  7. Capsaicin. ...
  8. Cat's claw.

What can I drink in the morning to reduce inflammation? ›

Some of my top anti-inflammatory drinks include:
  • Beetroot juice.
  • Turmeric latte.
  • Ginger tea.
  • Water.
  • Fruit smoothie.
  • Green smoothie.
  • Lemon matcha iced tea.
  • Fruit juice.
Nov 19, 2019

How can I reduce inflammation for weight loss? ›

To reduce levels of inflammation, aim for an overall healthy diet. If you're looking for an eating plan that closely follows the tenets of anti-inflammatory eating, consider the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils.

What are the best foods for weight loss and anti-inflammatory diet? ›

Berries, fatty fish, nuts, leafy greens, oatmeal, and olive oil can all be part of an anti-inflammatory diet. But it's best to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. What meat is anti-inflammatory? The Mediterranean diet includes anti-inflammatory omega-3 rich fatty fish.

What meat is anti-inflammatory? ›

In fact, pasture-raised chickens, pigs, lambs, and cows have higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids than corn-fed animals. Research even shows less disease among people who opt for meat from grass-fed animals over conventional.

What are the 10 worst inflammatory foods? ›

Here are the top ten worst offending foods that can trigger or cause inflammation:
  • Dairy Products. ...
  • Wheat, Rye, and Barley. ...
  • Fried Foods. ...
  • Refined Flour. ...
  • Red Meat. ...
  • Processed Corn. ...
  • Artificial Chemicals and Additives. ...
  • Trans Fats. Trans fats, aside from causing cancer, also create low-density lipoproteins, which feed inflammation.
Dec 9, 2023

How long does it take to flush out inflammation? ›

After an injury, you may wonder how long it will take for the inflammation to go away. “If it's acute inflammation, usually it takes a few days,” says Dr. Kaplan. But chronic inflammation doesn't develop overnight, and it can't be treated overnight, either.

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