subject: A Heart-healthy Diet: How Easy Is That? [print this page] You've probably thought about eating in the last few minutes if not right now. Food and eating preoccupies many people's minds. Often the goal is to lose weight, but sometimes its difficult to know where to begin. 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.
It may be a no-brainer but sometimes we forget: natural food is good, healthy food. The best foods are the ones that had the least steps from nature to your plate. When you eat unprocessed fruits and veggies, you help your body get rid of free radicals that can damage your blood vessels and heart. Apples and oranges are good for you, of course, but consider trying some tasty tropical fruits for a little variety. Cranberries, blueberries and raspberries all have a potent mix of vitamin C, calcium, beta-carotene and more. 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. When you're in a rut, consider looking at vegetarian cooking resources to learn some intriguing food ideas.
Are you thinking about protein now? Often the negative aspects of meat and fish are reported more than the positives. 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. Beans and legumes are other good non-meat sources of protein as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds. The nutrients in these proteins should be part of a well-balanced diet because they help protect your heart.
Finally, remember to enjoy a few indulgences. You read that correctly; you should treat yourself. Rich dark chocolate and a bit of red wine can be healthy. Dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% and red wine are two foods that can help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Even with less healthy desserts and snacks, the key is to enjoy them in moderation or sparingly. If you enjoy your food guilt-free, you're less like to overdo it.
When you incorporate small changes into all aspects of your life, it's less challenging to start and maintain a healthy diet. Your heart is at its best when you exercise, eat a well-rounded diet and enjoy your life to the fullest.
