Let Food Be Thy Medicine- Oatmeal Balls Recipe

Nutritional education becomes an incredibly useful tool to improve overall health outcomes for physical therapy patients and specifically to reduce inflammation qualifying the oft-quoted Hippocrates' "Let food be thy medicine”. Nutrition is a major link to help patients manage and relieve pain. Nutritional strategies can make a difference in several conditions associated with pain. For example:

Inflammation. Copious inflammatory foods, including vegetable oils, populate the Western diet. Most studies show a diet rich in healthy fatty acids, fruits, vegetables and fiber, provides anti-inflammatory benefits. Among specific conditions, studies show a Mediterranean diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants provide anti-inflammatory effects that benefit individuals with rheumatoid.
Obesity. Obesity contributes to numerous chronic pain conditions, and the pain in turn can lead to sedentary behavior that increases obesity. Studies prove weight loss must become a crucial aspect of overall pain rehabilitation.
Osteoarthritis (OA). Studies have shown a relationship between pain and food intake among overweight and obese patients with OA. One study found scientific evidence to support specific nutritional interventions–including omega 3 fatty acids–to relieve symptoms among patients with OA. Studies also show various nutrient deficiencies, including vitamins C and D as well as selenium, contribute to OA.

Re energize with this super easy to make post exercise snack:

Oatmeal Balls:
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup cut up dried dates
1 cup coconut flakes
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup flax seed
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 tbs of vanilla extract

Mix all dry ingredients, then add honey, peanut butter and vanilla extract.
Mix and shape into balls.