subject: Know What's Best: A Healthy Diet [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. Most want to lose weight and others want to keep it off or prevent themselves from gaining in the first place. Once you know the right foods to eat, you can begin your journey to better living.
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. Papaya is full of calcium, potassium, magnesium and other healthy nutrients. 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. Don't be afraid to try ethnic dishes to have a new and tasty way to eat your produce.
I'm sure you also want to know about meat and protein. Meat and fish often get a bad rap when it comes to healthy eating. In fact, good protein options are essential to a healthy diet. Fish like tuna and salmon are wonderful for their omega-3 fatty acids, good fats. Beans are also healthy sources of good fats, and nuts like almonds and walnuts have a lot of plant omega-3's. The essential value of many beans, fish and nuts is that they provide your body with phytonutrients that help protect your heart.
Lastly, you have permission to treat yourself. Im sure you were waiting to hear that good news. The list of heart-healthy foods includes things like red wine and dark chocolate. 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. You're more likely to maintain a healthy diet when you don't feel like eating a couple cookies or chips is "cheating."
The key to maintaining a healthy diet is to make easy-to-implement lifestyle changes. That includes a healthy balance of different foods as well as exercise and other activities that help you enjoy life.
