subject: A Healthy Diet: Start Eating For Your Heart [print this page] Trying to eat well is one common concern among many people. It can be daunting to even consider how to go about losing weight or changing your habits. Familiarizing yourself with "health food" is the best way to get over the intimidation and begin helping your heart and body.
Go natural. That's the simplest piece of food advice. That tip about not eating ingredients that you can't pronounce is pretty accurate. Whole and fresh foods are best. When you eat unprocessed fruits and veggies, you help your body get rid of free radicals that can damage your blood vessels and heart. Most people regularly eat apples, bananas and oranges, but sometimes you need some delicious variety. Cranberries, blueberries and raspberries all have a potent mix of vitamin C, calcium, beta-carotene and more. For vegetables, consider the beta-carotene and fiber of sweet potato and asparagus. Even if youre a meat eater, vegetarian cooking websites can be a great source for new and interesting recipes for fruits and vegetables.
The next step is meat and protein. Fish, beef and poultry aren't all bad for you. Don't skip out on the protein; it's actually good for you. 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-3s. Adding whole grains to these protein sources is a great way to consume vital heart-healthy nutrients.
Lastly, you have permission to treat yourself. Im sure you were waiting to hear that good news. 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. 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 youre cheating, youre 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. There are three areas in life that you can work on to better how you live: balanced diet, active lifestyle and hobbies that strengthen your mind and body.
