subject: Heart-Healthy Advice for Free [print this page] Heart-Healthy Advice for Free Heart-Healthy Advice for Free
Something that's on the mind of many adults is eating a healthy diet. Whether you want to lose weight or not, diet changes can be hard to change. 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; it's 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. Eating your veggies doesn't have to be boring when you add variety and don't mind looking for new and exciting cooking ideas. Now you're probably wondering where's the beef. No doubt you've heard bad things about meat and fish. Don't skip out on the protein; it's actually good for you. The three best protein options are fatty fish like salmon that are full of omega-3's, tofu and lean cuts of meat. Eating plenty of nuts with good fats like almonds and walnuts is good for your heart. Beans and legumes are also rich protein sources and can make excellent meat substitutes in occasional meals. Adding whole grains to these protein sources is a great way to consume vital heart-healthy nutrients. Finally, remember to enjoy a few indulgences. I'm sure you were waiting to hear that good news. Consider foods like genuine dark chocolate and fine red wine. 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. So long as you practice moderation you can enjoy most desserts, snacks and foods that you crave. Allowing yourself to eat foods you enjoy helps you not to feel as if you're punishing yourself. It's 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.
