subject: Know What's Best: A Healthy Diet [print this page] Know What's Best: A Healthy Diet Know What's Best: A Healthy Diet
You've probably thought about eating in the last few minutes if not right now. Food and eating preoccupies many people's minds. Most want to lose weight and others want to keep it off or prevent themselves from gaining in the first place. 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. When it comes to healthy diet tips, there's one tip that is best to always remember: natural is the way to go. Whole foods rather than processed food from a box are always a good option. When you eat unprocessed fruits and veggies, you help your body get rid of free radicals that can damage your blood vessels and heart. If you're tired of eating the same old fruits, you may enjoy tropical fruits are another unfamiliar kind. Berries are full of nutrients, and they're versatile enough to add to salads, muffins, trail mixes and more. Acorn squash has B-complex and C vitamins, and spinach is very healthful. In fact, baked squash served with sauteed spinach can make a great dish. Even if you're a meat eater, vegetarian cooking websites can be a great source for new and interesting recipes for fruits and vegetables. I'm sure you also want to know about 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. Fish like tuna and salmon are wonderful for their omega-3 fatty acids, good fats. In fact, black and kidney beans are good sources of these fats, and almonds and walnuts have plenty 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. Finally, remember to enjoy a few indulgences. You're probably very grateful to hear that. Rich dark chocolate and a bit of red wine can be healthy. These two foods contain nutrients called polyphenols that can reduce bad cholesterol, protect blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Even if you eat many less healthy foods, you can still enjoy them if you don't overdo it. Part of a healthy attitude about food is to allow yourself to enjoy it rather than obsess over it. The key to maintaining a healthy diet is to make easy-to-implement lifestyle changes. That includes a healthy balance of different foods as well as exercise and other activities that help you enjoy life.
