subject: How To Eat A Heart-healthy Diet [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. It may help to know some of the delicious and healthy foods you should look to eat, particularly those that are good to your heart.
Go natural. That's the simplest piece of food advice. Fresh foods are extremely healthful, and even options like unprocessed canned vegetables or fresh-frozen ones can be good. Unprocessed vegetables and fruits are great for fighting off free radicals in your blood and keeping your heart strong. If you want variety in your fruit lineup, think about trying some tropical fruits. 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. When you're in a rut, consider looking at vegetarian cooking resources to learn some intriguing food ideas.
I'm sure you also want to know about meat and protein. No doubt you've heard bad things about meat and fish. In fact, good protein options are essential to a healthy diet. You may know about eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids, but also consider tofu. Firm tofu is full of magnesium, potassium and other nutrients and is very good for grilling or stir-fry. 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.
Lastly, you have permission to treat yourself. That's sweet music to many people's ears. Rich dark chocolate and a bit of red wine can be healthy. Both have flavonoids, which can improve good cholesterol and lower blood pressure. So long as you practice moderation you can enjoy most desserts, snacks and foods that you crave. When you eat food without feeling guilty or like youre cheating, youre less likely to overindulge.
The key to maintaining a healthy diet is to make easy-to-implement lifestyle changes. It's most important to enjoy exercise, a well-balanced diet and hobbies that enrich your life.
