subject: A Healthy Diet: Know Where To Start [print this page] Theres a lot of concern about eating the right foods and living well. Often the goal is to lose weight, but sometimes its difficult to know where to begin. 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.
A healthy diet should always begin with a selection of natural foods. The best foods are the ones that had the least steps from nature to your plate. To keep your heart in good shape, a steady diet of fruits and vegetables is key. Apples and oranges are good for you, of course, but consider trying some tasty tropical fruits for a little variety. Papaya has beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E and more; its great for smoothies, a fresh salsa or by itself. Sweet potato is a good substitute for regular white potatoes because of its vitamins and fiber, and spinach is more nutrient-rich than Iceberg and other lettuces. Online cooking sites can have plenty of new and exciting ideas for fruit and vegetable dishes.
The next step is meat and protein. 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. For good fats, consider black or kidney beans. Walnuts and almonds also have good fats in the form of plant omega-3's. The nutrients in these proteins should be part of a well-balanced diet because they help protect your heart.
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. 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. So long as you practice moderation you can enjoy most desserts, snacks and foods that you crave. You're more likely to maintain a healthy diet when you don't feel like eating a couple cookies or chips is "cheating."
Having a healthy diet is a life choice rather than some meal plan or harsh regimen. Your heart is at its best when you exercise, eat a well-rounded diet and enjoy your life to the fullest.
