subject: The Fuel for a Healthy Diet [print this page] The Fuel for a Healthy Diet The Fuel for a Healthy Diet
There's a lot of concern about eating the right foods and living well. Whether you want to lose weight or not, diet changes can be hard to change. One bit of helpful information is to become familiar with the foods that are best for you and can improve heart health, help you lose weight and more. Go natural. That's the simplest piece of food advice. Fresh foods are extremely healthful, and even options like unprocessed canned vegetables or fresh-frozen ones can be good. 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. If you're tired of eating the same old fruits, you may enjoy tropical fruits are another unfamiliar kind. According to some research, papaya and blueberries are two of the 25 most heart-healthy foods. For vegetables, consider the beta-carotene and fiber of sweet potato and asparagus. Even if you're a meat eater, vegetarian cooking websites can be a great source for new and interesting recipes for fruits and vegetables. Are you thinking about protein now? No doubt you've heard bad things about meat and fish. The truth is that there are numerous protein options that are actually good for you. You may know about eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids, but also consider tofu. Firm tofu is full of magnesium, potassium and other nutrients and is very good for grilling or stir-fry. Beans are also healthy sources of good fats, and nuts like almonds and walnuts have a lot of plant omega-3's. The essential value of many beans, fish and nuts is that they provide your body with phytonutrients that help protect your heart. Lastly, you have permission 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. Red wine and dark chocolate with cocoa content of 70% or higher both have flavonoids that can improve good cholesterol and help lower your blood pressure. Eating "bad" is generally okay as long as you don't eat them often and enjoy in moderation. When you eat food without feeling guilty or like you're "cheating," you're 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. That includes a healthy balance of different foods as well as exercise and other activities that help you enjoy life.
