To Live Well, Eat Smart For Your Heart

Health and wellness begins with the food you put into your body

. Whether you want to lose weight or not, diet changes can be hard to change. Familiarizing yourself with "health food" is the best way to get over the intimidation and begin helping your heart and body.

If nothing else you should remember this: natural foods are the best for you. Whole foods rather than processed food from a box are always a good option. Unprocessed vegetables and fruits are great for fighting off free radicals in your blood and keeping your heart strong. If you're tired of eating the same old fruits, you may enjoy tropical fruits are another unfamiliar kind. Berries are full of nutrients, and they're versatile enough to add to salads, muffins, trail mixes and more. Acorn squash has B-complex and C vitamins, and spinach is very healthful. In fact, baked squash served with sauteed spinach can make a great dish. Don't be afraid to try ethnic dishes to have a new and tasty way to eat your produce.

Now you're probably wondering where's the beef. Many people believe meat and fish are a no-no with a healthy diet. You can't actually enjoy a balanced diet without healthy protein. Fish like tuna and salmon are wonderful for their omega-3 fatty acids, good fats. Eating plenty of nuts with good fats like almonds and walnuts is good for your heart. Beans and legumes are also rich protein sources and can make excellent meat substitutes in occasional meals. Adding whole grains to these protein sources is a great way to consume vital heart-healthy nutrients.

Also, a key to a healthy diet is to treat yourself. That's sweet music to many people's ears. The list of heart-healthy foods includes things like red wine and dark chocolate. These two foods contain nutrients called polyphenols that can reduce bad cholesterol, protect blood vessels and lower blood pressure. With all desserts and snacks, eating them in moderation or only occasionally is the best piece of advice. You're more likely to maintain a healthy diet when you don't feel like eating a couple cookies or chips is "cheating."

The key to maintaining a healthy diet is to make easy-to-implement lifestyle changes. That includes a healthy balance of different foods as well as exercise and other activities that help you enjoy life.

by: Marlon Jackson

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