My Plant-Based Diet: How I Fuel my Body during Recovery

It's me again, sharing a little bit more about my recovery journey and how I've been taking care of my body from the inside out. As you know, being a ballerina means I've always been mindful of what I eat, but after my injuries, it became even more important to nourish my body in a way that supports healing and reduces inflammation.

When I went plant-based years ago, it wasn't just a lifestyle choice for me – it was an essential part of my recovery. At the time, I was suffering with a severe arthritis in both knees and I couldn't climb the stairs without being in a lot of pain. After watching a documentary on how a strict vegetarian diet could help me, I decided to give it a try and in less than two weeks, I was climbing the stairs pain-free. Worth to mention that I lived in Porto - Portugal, at the time, close to downtown, where they have this absurd amount of stairs and hills. 

Back to 2024, during these months, I’ve focused on eating foods that help de-stress my body. You’d be surprised how much of what we eat impacts our ability to heal! I’ve been loading up on anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds – anything that helps reduce inflammation and stress in the body. Turmeric, ginger, and lots of greens have been my best friends. Honestly, they've worked wonders in keeping my body balanced and reducing that internal tension.

But it's not just about what to eat; it's also about what to avoid. As much as I love indulging, I've been steering clear of processed sugars and refined carbs, which tend to spike inflammation. And let’s not forget about fried foods – they taste amazing, but they slow down the healing process. So I’ve been swapping fries with homemade versions made in the air fryer, using just a tiny bit of oil. You’d be amazed at how crispy they turn out!

One thing that has really helped me stay on track is keeping my meals simple but packed with nutrients. My day typically starts with a smoothie or a bowl of oats topped with fresh fruits. This gives me the energy I need to start the day feeling fueled and strong. For lunch, I love incorporating tofu, tempeh, and plenty of fiber-rich veggies, which help keep my digestion happy and my energy steady. By dinner, I’m ready for something lighter like a soothing bowl of soup – perfect for winding down after a long day.

And yes, girl, I’ve been taking supplements too! I swear by Lauton supplements to give me that extra boost, and every morning, I take a morning shot of immunity from Sublyme to kickstart my system. These have been absolute game-changers for keeping my energy levels up and helping my body recover faster. 💪

So if you’re also going through a recovery phase or just looking to fuel your body in a way that supports your health, try focusing on foods that soothe your body rather than stress it out. It’s made a world of difference for me.

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Curious to see what I eat during the week? I just uploaded a video on TikTok where I show 5 days of plant-based meals with me! You can check it out here.

Let’s keep fueling our bodies with love and care!