Perception On Heart Healthy Diet

By James Spann


Many people in the present generation are suffering from preventable diseases that mainly emanate from their way of life. This is particularly the case for those who are less sensitive to what they eat. Exercise has also become old fashion. To stay healthy and free from heart conditions and diseases, it is necessary to maintain a heart healthy diet.

Healthy eating starts from the portion of food eaten. The amount of food you eat is as equally worrying as the type of food you are eating. You should always control the servings you eat and maintain a desirable and constant serving size. Having control over your food portion is important as it checks the amount of cholesterol and fat consumed. Also, make a habit of eating more foods with low calorie content, but rich in nutrients and minimize on refined and processed fast foods, with high sodium and calorie content. Vegetables and fruits are good examples of low calorie but nutrient rich foods.

A good diet also entails eating more vegetables and fruits. They are not only good sources of vitamins but also minerals. In addition, they have a low amount of calories and are rich in fiber. Vegetables and fruits have plant substances which may be helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease. Keep a habit of eating more vegetables and fruits as this reduces your chances of eating high fat foods including meat, snack foods and cheese.

It is even more easy and appetizing to feature fruits and vegetables in your diet. Keep a stock of washed and well cut vegetables in your refrigerator. This acts as quick snacks. Fruits should be kept in the kitchen, where they are easily seen to enhance appetite. Also incorporate fruits and vegetables in your recipes. Using these vitamins as main ingredients in vegetable stir-fry and fruit salads is appetizing.

As a word of caution, always remember that not all fruits and vegetables are ideal. Choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. When it comes to canned products, opt for low-sodium vegetables. For fruits, go for the ones packed in juice. Avoid coconut and vegetables having creamy sauces. Fried and breaded vegetables are not good. You should also shy away from canned fruit in heavy syrup and frozen fruits having sugar as additives.

Enhance your diet by adding whole grains. They are rich in dietary fiber among other nutrients that are vital in controlling blood pressure and enhancing heart healthy. The amount of whole grains can be enhanced in a diet by substituting refined grain products. You can also adventure in such whole grains as quinoa, whole-grain couscous and barley.

You can also include whole grains in your diet by adding ground flaxseeds. They are tiny brown seeds high in fiber content and omega three fatty acids that can lower your aggregate blood cholesterol. The seeds can be ground in and stirred into yoghurt, hot cereal and applesauce.

Whatever you eat, keep the aggregate fat intake 30%. For saturated fatty acids, maintain the intake at less than 10% of the daily calories. The same amount applies to polyunsaturated fatty acids while the recommended maximum limit for cholesterol and sodium is 3000 milligrams in a day. Remember that drinking a lot of water and exercising goes a long way.




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