subject: Eat Well And Live Well [print this page] Trying to eat well is one common concern among many people. For many in this country, losing weight is a necessary goal that often starts with struggle. Once you know the right foods to eat, you can begin your journey to better living.
It may be a no-brainer but sometimes we forget: natural food is good, healthy food. Fresh, whole foods are much healthier than food from a box. Fresh fruits and vegetables are part of the foundation for a heart-healthy diet because they help eliminate free radicals in your bloodstream, which protects your blood vessels. Most people regularly eat apples, bananas and oranges, but sometimes you need some delicious variety. Papaya is full of calcium, potassium, magnesium and other healthy nutrients. Substitutions are often a good idea to add variety and increase your nutrient intake: sweet potatoes for white potatoes, spinach for lettuce. Online cooking sites can have plenty of new and exciting ideas for fruit and vegetable dishes.
You want to know about protein, right? Fish, beef and poultry aren't all bad for you. There are plenty of healthy protein choices for you to eat and enjoy. Lean cuts of meat are okay for you, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna are actually very good for you. Beans and legumes are other good non-meat sources of protein as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds. The essential value of many beans, fish and nuts is that they provide your body with phytonutrients that help protect your heart.
If you think you have to skip dessert to be healthy, think again. That's sweet music to many people's ears. Rich dark chocolate and a bit of red wine can be healthy. Both have flavonoids, which can improve good cholesterol 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.
The key to maintaining a healthy diet is to make easy-to-implement lifestyle changes. 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.
