subject: A Healthy Diet: Know What's Right [print this page] A Healthy Diet: Know What's Right A Healthy Diet: Know What's Right
There's a lot of concern about eating the right foods and living well. 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. 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 is full of calcium, potassium, magnesium and other healthy nutrients. 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. Don't be afraid to try ethnic dishes to have a new and tasty way to eat your produce. Are you thinking about protein now? Often the negative aspects of meat and fish are reported more than the positives. In fact, good protein options are essential to a healthy diet. Fish like tuna and salmon are wonderful for their omega-3 fatty acids, good fats. Beans and legumes are other good non-meat sources of protein as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds. Beans, fatty fish, nuts and whole grains are all important to a healthy diet because they add vital heart-protective phytonutrients. Another tip is to indulge yourself once in a while. You're probably very grateful to hear that. Treats like dark chocolate and red wine are actually good for you. 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. Even with less healthy desserts and snacks, the key is to enjoy them in moderation or sparingly. 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. That includes a healthy balance of different foods as well as exercise and other activities that help you enjoy life.
