Know What's Good: A Heart-Healthy Diet

You've probably thought about eating in the last few minutes if not right now. Food and eating preoccupies many people's minds. Whether you want to lose weight or not, diet changes can be hard to change. 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, whole foods are much healthier than food from a box. When you eat unprocessed fruits and veggies, you help your body get rid of free radicals that can damage your blood vessels and heart. If you're tired of eating the same old fruits, you may enjoy tropical fruits are another unfamiliar kind. 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. Eating your veggies doesn't have to be boring when you add variety and don't mind looking for new and exciting cooking ideas.

Now you're probably wondering where's the beef. Many people believe meat and fish are a no-no with a healthy diet. Don't skip out on the protein; it's actually good for you. Be sure to look for omega-3 fatty acids. These are good fats that are abundant in fish like salmon and tuna. For good fats, consider black or kidney beans. Walnuts and almonds also have good fats in the form of plant omega-3's. The nutrients in these proteins should be part of a well-balanced diet because they help protect your heart.

Also, a key to a healthy diet is to treat yourself. I'm sure you were waiting to hear that good news. Treats like dark chocolate and red wine are actually good for you. Both have flavonoids, which can improve good cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Even with less healthy desserts and snacks, the key is to enjoy them in moderation or sparingly. When you eat food without feeling guilty or like you're "cheating," you're less likely to overindulge.

The key to maintaining a healthy diet is to make easy-to-implement lifestyle changes. Heart health begins with eating a healthy diet, but exercise and finding time to enjoy yourself are just as meaningful.