The Nutrients You Need During Physical Therapy FOODS FOR A FASTER RECOVERY
Attending your physical therapy appointments and doing your at-home exercises as instructed by your PT are crucial parts of your recovery process. However, they’re not the only important steps you should take. What you eat can affect how quickly and well you heal just as much as your dedication to your exercises. By incorporating a few of these foods into your diet, you can heal faster and come back stronger than ever before.
acids do wonders to control inflammation. Plus, our bodies can’t make omega-3 fatty acids naturally, so we have to get them from what we consume. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, olive oil, avocados, pecans, walnuts, and almonds.
ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
PROTEIN-RICH MEATS, NUTS, AND DAIRY PRODUCTS
Along with omega-3 fatty acids, the antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can also go a long way in reducing inflammation. Broccoli contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and several different minerals. ( Pro Tip: Cook your broccoli to maximize these nutrients!) Citrus fruits and peppers have high levels of vitamin C, and peppers have high levels of beta-carotene as well. Additionally, turmeric and garlic work wonders during the healing process.
When it comes to the proliferation and remodeling stages of healing, healthy sources of protein are the way to go. Lean meats like poultry and fish are easy sources of protein, but if you don’t eat meat, you can also get protein from beans, eggs, nuts, and dairy products. Protein-rich foods will help heal muscles and bones and prevent muscle atrophy. It’s incredible what the body can do with just a few intentionally consumed superfoods!
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
There are three phases to the healing process: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. While you might think that inflammation is a bad thing, it’s actually a normal and necessary part of healing. That said, you should still try to reduce inflammation, as it can be harmful in excess. Foods containing omega-3 fatty
Take a Break!
BACON AND EGG BREAKFAST PIZZA Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
This twist on a pair of classic breakfast foods is the perfect back-to-school fuel for your kids. Whip it up at breakfast or any time of day, really — it’s never too early or too late for pizza.
Ingredients
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1 package premade pizza dough
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 2 cups cheese of your choice, shredded
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
6 eggs
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2 tbsp water
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch pan. Spread the dough evenly over the bottom of the pan and 1/2 inch up the sides. Prick it with a fork and brush with 1 tbsp oil. Bake until lightly browned, about 7–8 minutes. 2. In a nonstick skillet, heat the remaining oil on medium. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and water together. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir until thickened and no liquid egg remains. 3. Add the egg to the baked crust in an even layer. Sprinkle on the bacon and cheese, then bake 5–7 more minutes before serving.
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