subject: Know What's Right: A Heart-healthy Diet [print this page] Trying to eat well is one common concern among many people. It can be daunting to even consider how to go about losing weight or changing your habits. Once you know the right foods to eat, you can begin your journey to better living.
A healthy diet should always begin with a selection of natural foods. Fresh foods are extremely healthful, and even options like unprocessed canned vegetables or fresh-frozen ones can be good. Fresh vegetables and fruits help keep your blood vessels strong and are essential to a heart-healthy diet. You know the saying about having an apple a day, but also consider new fruits to spice things up. Papaya has beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E and more; its great for smoothies, a fresh salsa or by itself. 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. When you're in a rut, consider looking at vegetarian cooking resources to learn some intriguing food ideas.
You want to know about protein, right? Often the negative aspects of meat and fish are reported more than the positives. 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. Beans are also healthy sources of good fats, and nuts like almonds and walnuts have a lot of plant omega-3's. The nutrients in these proteins should be part of a well-balanced diet because they help protect your heart.
Finally, remember to enjoy a few indulgences. Im sure you were waiting to hear that good news. The list of heart-healthy foods includes things like red wine and dark chocolate. Dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% and red wine are two foods that can help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Eating "bad" is generally okay as long as you don't eat them often and enjoy in moderation. Part of a healthy attitude about food is to allow yourself to enjoy it rather than obsess over it.
Its much easier to maintain a healthy diet when you make simple lifestyle changes. Your heart is at its best when you exercise, eat a well-rounded diet and enjoy your life to the fullest.
