By Ashley Koff, RD
Physical pain hurts, but did you know that it’s also one of the biggest triggers for overeating and making poor eating choices? That’s right, when in pain (think of anything higher than a 5 on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being feeling great and 10 being agony), many reach out for foods (sugar, comfort foods, extra servings) that will make them "feel better" emotionally. What’s worse is that this can actually contribute to more physical pain. Rather than reach for a pain pill, you can instead reach for the right foods, ones that help alleviate pain. Here’s what to stock up on.
Dark Cherries
Fresh or frozen work but definitely choose organic to get the most pain-fighting antioxidant power per bite. Cherries contain anthocyanins, which work just like aspirin or ibuprofen to turn off the body’s pain signals. Skip the juice and enjoy 20 or so cherries – remember they are a carbohydrate so they will give you quick energy and are best paired with colorful vegetables, healthy anti-inflammatory fats (like nuts and seeds), and proteins (also found in nuts and seeds). You can blend your frozen cherries with a tablespoon or two of cashew butter for a delicious icy, creamy, pain-reducing treat.
