subject: Eat Well And Enjoy Heart Health [print this page] Something that's on the mind of many adults is eating a healthy diet. Whether you want to lose weight or not, diet changes can be hard to change. Once you know the right foods to eat, you can begin your journey to better living.
Go natural. That's the simplest piece of food advice. Whole foods rather than processed food from a box are always a good option. When you eat unprocessed fruits and veggies, you help your body get rid of free radicals that can damage your blood vessels and heart. Most people regularly eat apples, bananas and oranges, but sometimes you need some delicious variety. Cranberries, blueberries and raspberries all have a potent mix of vitamin C, calcium, beta-carotene and more. For vegetables, consider the beta-carotene and fiber of sweet potato and asparagus. Online cooking sites can have plenty of new and exciting ideas for fruit and vegetable dishes.
You want to know about protein, right? 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. Be sure to look for omega-3 fatty acids. These are good fats that are abundant in fish like salmon and tuna. In fact, black and kidney beans are good sources of these fats, and almonds and walnuts have plenty of plant omega-3s. Beans, fatty fish, nuts and whole grains are all important to a healthy diet because they add vital heart-protective phytonutrients.
Finally, remember to enjoy a few indulgences. You're probably very grateful to hear that. Rich dark chocolate and a bit of red wine can be healthy. Red wine and dark chocolate have nutrients that are good for your heart and blood vessels, but with dark chocolate it's important that it has a cocoa content of 70% or more to get the best effect. With all desserts and snacks, eating them in moderation or only occasionally is the best piece of advice. When you eat food without feeling guilty or like youre cheating, youre less likely to overindulge.
When you incorporate small changes into all aspects of your life, it's less challenging to start and maintain a healthy diet. There are three areas in life that you can work on to better how you live: balanced diet, active lifestyle and hobbies that strengthen your mind and body.
