Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It commonly causes tenderness, pain and inflammation in small joints such as the hands and feet, but can affect all parts of the body.
Although there is no miracle diet for arthritis, there are certain types of food that can help reduce inflammation in your body, which may help you feel better overall.
While medication and other treatments are very important, many experts suggest following a healthy diet and losing weight can also help manage symptoms.
This diet plan is based on the Mediterranean diet which is one of the best to follow for its anti-inflammatory properties. This article will cover everything you need to know to follow this type of diet plan for rheumatoid arthritis, plus offer a 7-day plan.
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
General Tips to Follow for a Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
Control Your Weight
Having excess weight on your body increases the pressure put on joints.
Even small reductions in weight can have huge benefits for reducing inflammation because the pressure the weight exerts is multiple times the weight itself.
For example, losing just 1 lb takes 4 lbs of pressure off the knee joints. It’s also important to ensure that you start eating a diet that you can actually stick to.
Many diets become unsustainable, so people end up putting the weight back on that they lost and compounding the issue.
Eat Lots of Fiber
Fiber is very important for heart and gut health. It can also help lower inflammation. It is also important when it comes to losing weight.
That’s because foods that have high amounts of fiber are high on the satiety index. This means they fill you up with fewer calories, helping you to consume fewer calories overall naturally.
Some food sources of fiber include:
- Whole grains (e.g brown bread, oatmeal)
- Fruits and vegetables
- Beans and legumes (chickpeas, lentils)
Eat Plenty of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can lower the amount of production of molecules by the body linked to inflammation. These include eicosanoids and cytokines (1, 2).
Studies consistently find that those who eat more omega-3 fatty acids tend to reduce inflammation (3, 4, 5).
Omega-3 fatty acids are found most abundantly in fatty fish like salmon, tuna and herring. However, plant-based sources can be found in foods like flax seeds and chia seeds.
Foods to Eat for a Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
The following foods have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, so it’s worth eating these types of foods regularly.
Fruits and Vegetables
All types of fruits and vegetables are good for you and most will have some anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain lots of fiber and keep you full for longer with fewer calories, meaning they’re a great way to lose weight.
Different colored vegetables tend to have different vitamins and minerals, so you can better hit your nutritional needs if you’re eating a wide variety of colors.
Remember that some methods of cooking such as deep-frying can add unhealthy fats to your vegetables.
Whole Grains
Whole grains have a bad reputation because they are seen as having lots of carbs.
However, unprocessed whole grains are actually very healthy for you, it’s just refined grains (like white bread), that have lots of fiber and nutrients removed during the refining process, making them less healthy.
Studies have shown that eating whole grains can reduce the risk of inflammation and heart disease (6, 7). They can also help you lose weight.
One study of 120,000+ people found 3 servings of whole grains per day was associated with less belly fat and a lower body index, (8). Good examples include:
- Oatmeal
- Whole grain bread
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Bulgur
- Barley
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3s have been shown to reduce inflammation, but also have a whole host of health benefits, from reduced risk of heart disease to improving brain health.
In relation to inflammation, studies find that salmon can help reduce C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (9, 10). A high level of CRP in the blood is a marker of inflammation.
Popular types of fatty fish include:
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Herring
- Trout
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil contains many antioxidants and health benefits.
Many studies show how beneficial it is across a number of inflammatory-related diseases like heart disease and cardiovascular disease (11, 12, 13, 14, 15).
One study found that people consuming 50ml a day of olive oil significantly reduced inflammatory markers (16).
Another study gave older adults at risk of heart disease 60 ml a day of extra virgin olive oil alongside a Mediterranean diet. This group of people lowered their risk of a stroke or heart attack by 30% compared to people who followed a low-fat diet (17).
When buying olive oil, it’s important to check the labels. Extra virgin olive oil is the healthiest as it is the least processed type of oil.
This means it retains its healthy antioxidants and vitamins that are lost when refined.
Other types may be labeled as just ‘olive oil’, ‘light olive oil’ or ‘pure olive oil’. These are often cheaper because they are diluted with other oils that aren’t as healthy and are added with chemicals.
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are a great plant-based source of protein, vitamins and minerals, plus they are full of fiber. This makes them an excellent food to consume for those looking to lose weight.
Many studies show that they can help reduce weight sustainably and cut fat by naturally reducing food intake. (18, 19).
Studies show that legumes can:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels (20, 21)
- Reduce blood pressure and triglycerides (22, 23)
- Reduce weight loss over the long term (24, 25)
- Improve insulin sensitivity (26, 27)
Some examples of popular beans and legumes include:
- Chickpeas
- Soybeans
- Peanuts
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are good sources of protein, healthy fats, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Even though they are high in fats, these are the healthy kind, such as monosaturated fats.
They are also especially good for weight loss. (28, 29). One study found those who ate two or more portions of nuts per week had a 31% lower risk of weight gain compared to the control group that didn’t eat them (30).
All nuts are healthy as long as they aren’t coated with things like chocolate or extra salt.
However, different nuts have different nutrient profiles, so be sure to check. For example, one Brazil nut contains all your daily requirements of selenium.
In terms of seeds, flax seeds and chia seeds also contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient many people don’t get enough of.
Some examples include:
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
Low-Fat Dairy
Dairy foods usually contain good amounts of protein and are rich in lots of important vitamins like calcium.
Although the evidence is less clear-cut around the effects on weight loss, one observational study examined those who consumed the most dairy had lower belly fat, less inflammation, lower triglycerides and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (31).
It’s best to eat dairy moderately when compared to other food groups. Good choices for low-fat dairy and soy products include:
- ricotta or cottage cheese
- low-fat milk
- yogurt
- soy milk
Foods to Limit on a Arthritis Diet
You shouldn’t feel guilty for treating yourself occasionally, but don’t make a habit of eating these foods regularly:
- Junk foods: fast food and potato chips
- Refined carbohydrates: white bread, pasta, crackers, flour tortillas, biscuits
- Fried foods: french fries, donuts, fried meats
- Sugar-sweetened beverages: soda, tea with added sugar, sports drinks
- Processed meats: bacon, canned meat, salami, sausages
- Trans fats: vegetable oil and margarine
What is the Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If you’re looking for a diet that encompasses all the foods above that can help improve inflammation, the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest to follow.
The Mediterranean diet encompasses the following eating guidelines:
- High unsaturated-to-saturated fat ratio
- High consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and unrefined grains
- Increased consumption of fatty fish
- Moderate consumption of low-fat dairy (mostly cheese and yogurt)
- Limited intake of red meat and processed foods
Many credible organizations suggest following a Mediterranean diet for longevity and health. These include:
- Harvard Medical School
- Osteoarthritis Foundation Internal
- Mayo Clinic
- American Heart Association
- Arthritis Foundation
It was ranked the number 1 diet according to the U.S. News & World Report.
It is often ranked the best diet to follow because of how healthy it as well as how easy it is to follow.
This is important as you need to follow the diet for a long time and find a sustainable way of eating. In particular, it comes out on top when it comes to its healthiness and how easy it is to follow.
This makes it a perfect diet to follow if you want to follow a diet over the long term and find a sustainable way of eating.
Many studies show how useful the Mediterranean diet is across a range of diseases, including:
- Lower risk of cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, (32, 33)
- Lower risk of coronary heart disease (34, 35)
- Lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (36)
- Lower risk of breast cancer (37)
- Lower risk of obesity (38)
- Better cognitive function (39)
Rheumatoid Diet Meal Plan
Sample Menu
In the meal plan are recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | |
---|---|---|---|
Mon | Blueberry Blues Porridge | Greek Salad | Haddock Risotto |
Tues | Basil & Spinach Scramble | Falafel Wraps | Eggplant & Lentil Bake |
Wed | Tomato & Watermelon Salad | Carrot, Orange & Avocado Salad | Mediterranean Chicken, Quinoa & Greek Salad |
Thurs | Blueberry Blues Porridge | Mixed Bean Salad | Grilled Vegetables with Bean Mash |
Fri | Basil & Spinach Scramble | Panzanella Salad | Salmon & Chickpea Salad |
Sat | Tomato & Watermelon Salad | Spiced Carrot & Lentil Soup | Chicken Gyros |
Sun | Blueberry Blues Porridge | Moroccan Chickpea Soup | Spicy Mediterranean Beet Salad |
Snacks are recommended between meal times. Some good snacks include:
- A handful of nuts or seeds
- A piece of fruit
- Carrots or baby carrots
- Berries or grapes
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
Day 1: Monday
Breakfast: Breakfast Blues Porridge
Nutrition
- Calories – 347
- Protein – 15g
- Carbs – 42g
- Fat – 15g
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- ½ cup (50g) porridge oats
- ⅚ cup (200ml) milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- ⅛ cup (25g) chia seeds
- ¾ cup (150g) blueberries
- ⅓ cup (25g) flaked almonds
Instructions
- Mix the porridge oats, milk, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt and chia seeds in a bowl and soak for one minute. Once the oats have softened, add some of the blueberries.
- Place the mixture into two bowls and add any remaining berries and almonds.
Lunch: Greek Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 273
- Protein – 6g
- Carbs – 14g
- Fat – 24g
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- ⅘ cup (120g) cherry tomatoes,
- 1 cucumber, peeled, deseeded and roughly chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ (60g) or about 16 Kalamata olives
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ⅓ cup (50g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and lightly season. Serve with wholemeal bread.
Dinner: Haddock Risotto
Nutrition
- Calories – 508
- Protein – 40g
- Carbs – 46g
- Fat – 15g
Prep time + cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large leek, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (150g) risotto rice, such as arborio or carnaroli
- 1 ½ cups (350ml) vegetable stock
- ½ cup (125ml) milk
- 9-10 oz (280g) smoked haddock,
- skinned and cut into large chunks
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 ⅔ cups (50g) baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400F (200C). Heat the oil in an oven-proof dish over a medium heat. Cook the leek for 4-5 minutes, until just tender. Add the rice and stir for 2 extra minutes.
- Add the stock and milk, bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the haddock on top. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Add the Greek yogurt and spinach and season. Cover the pan again and leave to rest out of the oven for 3 minutes before serving.
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
Day 2: Tuesday
Breakfast: Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 177
- Protein – 5g
- Carbs – 13g
- Fat – 13g
Prep time + cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp chopped mint
- ⅘ cup (120g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ⅔ cups (250g) watermelon, cut into chunks
- ⅔ cup (100g) feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- For the dressing, Mix the oil, vinegar, chilli flakes and mint and then season.
- Put the tomatoes and watermelon into a bowl. Pour over the dressing, add the feta, then serve.
Lunch: Falafel Wraps
Nutrition
- Calories – 424
- Protein – 21g
- Carbs – 44g
- Fat – 21g
Prep time + cook time: 12 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 2 wholemeal wraps
- 4 falafels (about 3.5 oz / 100g)
- ½ avocado
- Small bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp harissa
For the tahini sauce:
- ¼ cup (60g) Greek yogurt
- ½ tbsp tahini
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- To make the tahini sauce, add the ingredients plus some seasoning to a bowl and mix together.
- Heat a dry frying pan over a medium heat and warm the flatbread for 1 minute, flipping halfway through. Spoon some tahini sauce on the flatbread along with the falafel and tahini. Scatter the parsley, squeeze the lime juice and add the harissa. Roll and serve.
Dinner: Eggplant Lentil Bake
Nutrition
- Calories – 444
- Protein – 17g
- Carbs – 52g
- Fat – 20g
Prep time + cook time: 60 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 eggplant / aubergine, sliced lengthways
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup (70g) lentils
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ¾ cup (150g) cooked butternut squash
- 7 oz can (200g) chopped tomatoes
- ½ small pack basil leaves
- ⅓ cup (60g) feta
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425F (220C). Add oil to each eggplant side. Lay on baking sheets, season and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once. Cook lentils following pack instructions.
- Heat oil in frying pan. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add squash & tomatoes, plus ½ can of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in lentils, basil & seasoning.
- Spoon layer of lentils into baking dish, then eggplant slices and repeat. Scatter feta and bake for 15 more minutes until cheese is golden.
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
Day 3: Wednesday
Breakfast: Basil & Spinach Scramble
Nutrition
- Calories – 294
- Protein – 16g
- Carbs – 8g
- Fat – 24g
Prep time + cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅔ cup (100g) cherry tomatoes
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- handful basil, chopped
- 6 cups (180g) baby spinach
- black pepper
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and add the tomatoes. While they are cooking, beat the eggs in a jug and add the milk, black pepper and basil.
- Remove the tomatoes from the pan and place on the plates. Add the oil, spinach and egg mixture to the pan, stirring occasionally until the eggs scramble. Once set, add to the plates and serve.
Lunch: Carrot, Orange and Avocado Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 177
- Protein – 5g
- Carbs – 13g
- Fat – 13g
Prep time + cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 orange, plus zest and juice of 1
- 2 carrots, halved lengthways and sliced with a peeler
- 35g / 1 ½ cups rocket / arugula
- 1 avocado, stoned, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the segments from 1 of the oranges and put in a bowl with the carrots, rocket/arugula and avocado. Whisk together the orange juice, zest and oil. Toss through the salad, and season.
Dinner: Med Chicken, Quinoa and Greek Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 424
- Protein – 33g
- Carbs – 50g
- Fat – 21g
Prep time + cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- ⅗ cup (100g) quinoa
- ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
- handful pitted black kalamata olives
- ½ red onion, finely sliced
- ⅓ cup (50g) feta cheese, crumbled
- small bunch mint leaves, chopped
- juice and zest ½ lemon
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa following the pack instructions, then rinse in cold water and drain thoroughly.
- Meanwhile, toss the chicken fillets in the olive oil with some seasoning, chilli and garlic. Lay in a hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes each side or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside
- Next, tip the tomatoes, olives, onion, feta and mint into a bowl. Toss in the cooked quinoa. Stir through the remaining olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and season well. Serve with the chicken on top.
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
Day 4: Thursday
Breakfast: Breakfast Blues Porridge
Lunch: Mixed Bean Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 240
- Protein – 11g
- Carbs – 22g
- Fat – 12g
Prep time + cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- ⅘ cups (145g) artichoke heart in oil
- ½ tbsp sundried tomato paste
- ½ tsp red wine vinegar
- 7 oz can (200g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- ⅘ cup (120g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
- handful Kalamata black olives
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
- ⅔ cup (100g) feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Drain the jar of artichokes, reserving 1-2 tbsp of oil. Add the oil, sun-dried tomato paste and vinegar and stir until smooth. Season to taste.
- Chop the artichokes and tip into a bowl. Add the cannellini beans, tomatoes, olives, spring onions and half of the feta cheese. Stir in the artichoke oil mixture and tip into a serving bowl. Crumble over the remaining feta cheese, then serve.
Dinner: Grilled Vegetables with Bean Mash
Nutrition
- Calories – 314
- Protein – 19g
- Carbs – 33g
- Fat – 16g
Prep time + cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 pepper, deseeded & quartered
- 1 eggplant (aubergine), sliced lengthways
- 2 zucchini (courgettes), sliced lengthways
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the mash
- 14 oz (400g) can haricot beans, rinsed
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ⅖ cup (100ml) vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (coriander
Instructions
- Heat the grill. Arrange the vegetables over a grill pan &brush lightly with oil. Grill until lightly browned, turn them over, brush again with oil, then grill until tender.
- Meanwhile, put the beans in a pan with garlic and stock. Bring to the boil, then simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Mash roughly with a potato masher. Divide the vegetables and mash between 2 plates, drizzle over oil and sprinkle with black pepper and coriander.
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
Day 5: Friday
Breakfast: Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Lunch: Panzanella Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 452
- Protein – 6g
- Carbs – 37g
- Fat – 25g
Prep time + cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, stoned, peeled and chopped
- 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 slices of brown bread
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- small handful basil leaves
Instructions
- Chop the tomatoes and put them in a bowl. Season well and add the garlic, capers, avocado and onion. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, tear the bread into chunks and place in a bowl. Drizzle over half of the olive oil and half of the vinegar. When ready to serve, scatter tomatoes and basil leaves and drizzle with remaining oil and vinegar. Stir before serving.
Dinner: Salmon & Chickpea Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 351
- Protein – 25g
- Carbs – 34g
- Fat – 14g
Prep time + cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 large red pepper, quartered and deseeded
- ½ lemon, zest and juice
- pinch smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 ⅓ cup (100g) baby spinach
- 2 salmon fillets
- 14 oz (400g) can chickpeas
Instructions
- Heat the grill and grill the pepper quarters for 5 minutes. Leave the grill on. Transfer the peppers to a bowl & leave to cool slightly. Peel off the skins & cut the flesh into strips.
- Whisk the lemon zest, juice, smoked paprika, olive oil & seasoning. Toss half the dressing with the spinach leaves and divide between 2 bowls.
- Season the salmon and grill for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the chickpeas in their canning liquid for 3-4 minutes, drain well, then mix with the remaining dressing & strips of pepper. Spoon over spinach and top with salmon to serve.
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
Day 6: Saturday
Breakfast: Basil & Spinach Scramble
Lunch: Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup
Nutrition
- Calories – 238
- Protein – 11g
- Carbs – 34g
- Fat – 7g
Prep time + cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- pinch chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups (300g) carrots, washed and coarsely grated
- ⅓ cup (70g) split red lentils
- 2 ¼ cups (500ml) hot vegetable stock
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- Greek yogurt, to serve
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan and dryfry the cumin seeds and chilli flakes for 1 minute. Scoop out about half of the seeds with a spoon and set aside. Add the oil, carrot, lentils, stock and milk to the pan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils have swollen and softened.
- Whizz the soup with a stick blender or in a food processor until smooth. Season to taste and finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of the reserved toasted spices.
Dinner: Chicken Gyros
Nutrition
- Calories – 296
- Protein – 26g
- Carbs – 29g
- Fat – 8g
Prep time + cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 8-10cm (about half) piece cucumber,
- 2 tbsp mint, chopped
- 2 wholemeal pita bread
- ⅓ cup (50g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 roasted red pepper from jar, sliced
Instructions
- Heat a frying pan with some olive oil over a medium heat. Cover the chicken chunks with oregano, then add to the pan with the garlic and some pepper. Cook for 5 minutes or so until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess water. Add the yogurt, grated cucumber and mint to make the tzatziki.
- Cut the tops of the pittas on their longest side. Layer in the chicken, tomatoes and red pepper. If eating immediately, add the tzatziki. If taking away, keep the tzatziki in a separate container and add before eating to stop the pitta going soggy.
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
Day 7: Sunday
Breakfast: Breakfast Blues Porridge
Lunch: Moroccan Chickpea Soup
Nutrition
- Calories – 408
- Protein – 15g
- Carbs – 63g
- Fat – 11g
Prep time + cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) hot vegetable stock
- 7 oz can (200g) chopped tomatoes
- 7 oz can (200g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup (50g) frozen broad beans
- zest and juice ½ lemon
- cilantro (coriander) & bread to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan, then fry the onion and celery for 10 minutes until softened. Add the cumin and fry for another minute.
- Turn up the heat, then add the stock, tomatoes, chickpeas and black pepper. Simmer for 8 minutes. Add broad beans and lemon juice and cook for a further 2 minutes. Top with lemon zest and coriander.
Dinner: Spicy Mediterranean Beet Salad
Nutrition
- Calories – 548
- Protein – 23g
- Carbs – 58g
- Fat – 20g
Prep time + cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 8 raw baby beetroots, or 4 medium, scrubbed
- ½ tbsp sumac
- ½ tbsp ground cumin
- 14 oz can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice, ½ lemon
- ⅚ cup (200g) Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tsp crushed red chilli flakes
- mint leaves, chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425F (220C). Halve or quarter beetroots depending on size. Mix spices together. On a large baking tray, mix chickpeas and beetroot with the oil. Season with salt & sprinkle over the spices. Mix again. Roast for 30 minutes.
- While the vegetables are cooking, mix the lemon zest and juice with the yogurt. Swirl the harissa through and spread into a bowl. Top with the beetroot & chickpeas, and sprinkle with the chilli flakes & mint
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
Arthritis Diet Shopping List
This shopping list corresponds to the 7 day plan, serving 2 people. No snacks are included.
View 7 Day Rheumatoid Arthritis Plan PDF
28 Day Mediterranean-Style Plan
We’ve created a 4-week Mediterranean-style diet meal plan that follows the same format as this 7-day meal plan pdf. It contains FOUR weeks of meal plans, recipes, shopping lists and prep guides – all available in digital format.
Click here to grab your copy of the 28 day Mediterranean diet plan for rheumatoid arthritis!
Disclosure
We would like to take a moment to note that this post is for information purposes only. It does not claim to provide medical advice or to be able to treat any medical condition. It makes no claims with respect to weight loss, either in terms of the amount or rate at which weight loss could be achieved. If you have any concerns regarding your health please contact your medical practitioner before making changes.