Book review

Meals that Heal Inflammation: Embrace healthy living and eliminate pain, one meal at a time
by Julie Daniluk
Random House Canada, 2011, 400 pages, $29.95
ISBN: 978-0-307-35998-8

The host of Healthy Gourmet on OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network), and a guest on television shows such as Marilyn Dennis and Dr. Oz, registered holistic nutritionist Julie Daniluk is also the author of a new book.

In Meals that Heal Inflammation, Daniluk reveals her personal experiences and professional findings and explains how nutritious foods can combat chronic pain caused by inflammation.

From the introduction that details Daniluk’s own battle with chronic inflammation and her resolve to find a better way, to more than 120 inflammation-fighting recipes, Meals that Heal Inflammation has something for everyone concerned about the effects of food choices on our health.

Daniluk details the six causes of inflammation, discusses emotional eating, allergic reactions to food, and how healing starts in the gut. Armed with a holistic nutritional background and understanding, Daniluk has created an anti-inflammation plan designed to help readers take charge of their chronic dietary concerns.

While the steps are carefully laid out, Daniluk is clear that it’s no easy process. Her five-step plan for easing into an anti-inflammatory program includes a timetable to better help readers achieve their goals. For instance, step one, which helps readers gear up for the program, requires two weeks of action before moving on to step two.

In step one, readers will toss everything in their cupboards that can produce inflammation in the body. From artificial additives to dairy, yeast, and gluten-containing grains, Daniluk tells us what needs to go and why. She also tells readers what they can keep and what they need to buy to ensure success on the program. Steps two through five will help readers stay the course and learn to make better food choices.

Meals that Heal Inflammation is peppered with useful tips, and includes easy-to-follow seven-day menu plans for both omnivores and vegans. A useful allergy substitution chart helps readers alter their recipes, leaving out known allergens and substituting Daniluk’s suggestions to avoid reactions.

The book closes with more than 120 delicious recipes that range from drinks that heal to breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and sweet treats. There’s even a section on healthy sauces, dips, and dressings.

If you suffer from inflammation and its associated pain, or know someone who does, Meals that Heal Inflammation could be the best book you buy all year.