subject: Eat Well to Live Well [print this page] Eat Well to Live Well Eat Well to Live Well
Health and wellness begins with the food you put into your body. Often the goal is to lose weight, but sometimes it's difficult to know where to begin. Familiarizing yourself with "health food" is the best way to get over the intimidation and begin helping your heart and body. A healthy diet should always begin with a selection of natural foods. Whole foods rather than processed food from a box are always a good option. 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 has beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E and more; it's great for smoothies, a fresh salsa or by itself. 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. Online cooking sites can have plenty of new and exciting ideas for fruit and vegetable dishes. You want to know about protein, right? Many people believe meat and fish are a no-no with a healthy diet. Don't skip out on the protein; it's actually good for you. Lean cuts of meat are okay for you, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna are actually very good for you. For good fats, consider black or kidney beans. Walnuts and almonds also have good fats in the form of plant omega-3's. The nutrients in these proteins should be part of a well-balanced diet because they help protect your heart. Also, a key to a healthy diet is to treat yourself. You read that correctly; you should treat yourself. Treats like dark chocolate and red wine are actually good for you. Both have flavonoids, which can improve good cholesterol and lower blood pressure. With all desserts and snacks, eating them in moderation or only occasionally is the best piece of advice. 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.
