subject: You Don't Have To Pay For It: Tips For A Heart-healthy Diet [print this page] Health and wellness begins with the food you put into your body. It can be daunting to even consider how to go about losing weight or changing your habits. From heart-healthy foods to food that improve your eyesight or skin, there's a wide world full of the best nature has to offer.
When it comes to healthy diet tips, theres one tip that is best to always remember: natural is the way to go. Fresh, whole foods are much healthier than food from a box. Unprocessed vegetables and fruits are great for fighting off free radicals in your blood and keeping your heart strong. If you want variety in your fruit lineup, think about trying some tropical fruits. Cranberries, blueberries and raspberries all have a potent mix of vitamin C, calcium, beta-carotene and more. Color variety is a good indicator of what to eat. Bright green spinach and broccoli and red bell peppers are all good for your heart. Even if youre a meat eater, vegetarian cooking websites can be a great source for new and interesting recipes for fruits and vegetables.
Now you're probably wondering where's the beef. No doubt you've heard bad things about meat and fish. In fact, good protein options are essential to a healthy diet. The three best protein options are fatty fish like salmon that are full of omega-3's, tofu and lean cuts of meat. Beans are also healthy sources of good fats, and nuts like almonds and walnuts have a lot of plant omega-3's. Beans, fatty fish, nuts and whole grains are all important to a healthy diet because they add vital heart-protective phytonutrients.
Also, a key to a healthy diet is to treat yourself. You're probably very grateful to hear that. 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. Eating "bad" is generally okay as long as you don't eat them often and enjoy in moderation. Allowing yourself to eat foods you enjoy helps you not to feel as if you're punishing yourself.
To begin living and eating well, you should start by making a few easy adjustments to your lifestyle. Heart health begins with eating a healthy diet, but exercise and finding time to enjoy yourself are just as meaningful.
