Anti-Inflammatory Friday 2-7-2025

It's National Fettuccine Alfredo Day and ...

Did you know it was originally created as an act of love?

Alfredo di Lelio created it for his pregnant wife struggling with appetite. He wanted something simple, nourishing, and easy to digest — so he combined fresh pasta with butter and Parmesan.

Little did he know, it would become an international sensation.

I love this story because it reminds us that food is more than fuel — it’s an expression of care and nourishment.

Keep reading for a nourishing, anti-inflammatory twist on this recipe that still keeps the love in every bite!

Anti-Inflammatory RECIPE

Creamy Anti-Inflammatory Fettuccine Alfredo

A dairy-free, gut-friendly twist on the classic!

This velvety, rich Alfredo sauce gets its creamy texture from cauliflower and cashews, providing fiber, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory goodness. 

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 8 oz fettuccine (whole wheat, chickpea, or brown rice pasta)

• 1 cup cauliflower florets (steamed or boiled)

• ½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, but adds depth)

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a blender, combine the steamed cauliflower, soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin it out.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, black pepper, or extra nutritional yeast for a cheesy finish!

Anti-Inflammatory MINDSET

Rewiring Our Comfort Food Cravings

Comfort food isn’t just about taste — it’s about emotion.

When we crave creamy pasta, warm bread, or sugary treats, we’re often seeking more than just flavor. We’re looking for comfort, nostalgia, and even a sense of safety.

But here’s the challenge: many of the traditional comfort foods we reach for can lead to inflammation, sluggishness, and energy crashes.

The good news? Comfort doesn’t have to come at a cost.

We can rewire our cravings by giving our bodies what they actually need — without sacrificing the joy of eating.

Instead of asking, “What food will comfort me in the moment?” ask, “What food will comfort me now AND later?”

True comfort comes from feeling nourished, energized, and supported.