subject: A Heart-Healthy Diet: Little Steps, Big Results [print this page] A Heart-Healthy Diet: Little Steps, Big Results
Health and wellness begins with the food you put into your body. It can be daunting to even consider how to go about losing weight or changing your habits. 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. If nothing else you should remember this: natural foods are the best for you. That tip about not eating ingredients that you can't pronounce is pretty accurate. Whole and fresh foods are best. Unprocessed vegetables and fruits are great for fighting off free radicals in your blood and keeping your heart strong. If you're tired of eating the same old fruits, you may enjoy tropical fruits are another unfamiliar kind. 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. I'm sure you also want to know about meat and protein. Often the negative aspects of meat and fish are reported more than the positives. There are plenty of healthy protein choices for you to eat and enjoy. Be sure to look for omega-3 fatty acids. These are good fats that are abundant in fish like salmon and tuna. 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. The nutrients in these proteins should be part of a well-balanced diet because they help protect your heart. Lastly, you have permission to treat yourself. I'm sure you were waiting to hear that good news. Rich dark chocolate and a bit of red wine can be healthy. Red wine and dark chocolate have nutrients that are good for your heart and blood vessels, but with dark chocolate it's important that it has a cocoa content of 70% or more to get the best effect. 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. To begin living and eating well, you should start by making a few easy adjustments to your lifestyle. Your heart is at its best when you exercise, eat a well-rounded diet and enjoy your life to the fullest.
