SMART SWAPS
Fav Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Anti-inflammatory-is-mandatory—in my life.
For nearly a decade, I plucked plaque psoriasis from my scalp (sorry to get gross) and brushed skin snow off my shoulders. I slept with a Michael Jackson single white glove on my hand, to lock in ointment & soothe the eczema that woke me at night faster than blaring “Beat It.” The auto-immune alarms were sounding so I chose to ditch the itch by changing my diet.
It wasn’t exactly love at first lettuce. Break-ups took time. I said goodbye to gluten, then later, dairy— and experienced significant relief. Now, I aim for grain-free too. I’ve finally done enough hunting, gathering & taste-testing to boast a proud pantry (& fridge) of substitutes. Maybe you’re suffering too or are just intrigued by the “clean” concept, either way, here are some feel-good finds that satisfy.
Disclaimer: Eating clean isn’t always eating cheap—some of these swaps are spendy!
SAFE SNACKS
I use them like mini shovels & dig in to chicken or tuna salad.
Yes, they remind me of Streaker, my former parakeet, pecking seed bells - but this one is not for the birds. The nutty, earthy, toasty taste teams well with lox or avocado for a protein punch.
Snacky & salty—I smear these with sugar free jelly or binge plain.
My Dad had a heart attack when I was in second grade so my mom starting living at the health food store. I’d tag along for the fruit roll ups. Dried fruit is a nostalgic nibble for me but also full of fiber, anti-oxidants and nutrients—this brand has no added sugar.
Hot & Spicy, Lemon Garlic or Kalamatas—all in resealable, to-go pouches perfect for your purse. Bonus: These are packed in olive oil not brine. I prefer to limit vinegar intake so as to not pickle my liver.
(Use code: MEGAMEDIA)
I eat this dry, like popcorn — crunching between calls.
My DIY trail mix hero. Try tossing them with unsalted cashews, almonds and raisins—a nod to the Nestle Chunky bar—without the sugar coma.
GO-TO GRANOLA
Granola can be a sugar bomb, but this small batch company makes it with only one teaspoon per serving. Berrys and some nut milk, call it breakfast or dessert?
(Use code: MEGA15)
Same drill here—this one is “finer” so I like to sprinkle it on an almond-butter-smothered banana or in my yogurt.
BREAD ALTERNATIVES
I still salivate at the sight of a NYC bagel in all it’s gluten glory but my sub, Bedrock Bakers, gets close. Also, love their grain free & gorgeously griddled english muffins.
“clean” choices cont’d…
