4 Dietary Tips for a Healthier Heart
Heart disease continues to be a leading killer of both men and women, year after year. One of the most impactful things we can do to prevent heart disease is choosing to eat healthy. In fact, there are many dietary habits that can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease with hardly any effort at all. Here are four tips to get you started:
Eat More Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables contribute to our ongoing health, but oftentimes we douse these foods in sauces or sugars and unhealthy fats. In order to maintain a healthy heart, what you really need is fresh fruits and vegetables that still carry all of their nutrients without all the added fats and sugars. If you must buy canned or frozen, go with varieties that have no sugar or sodium added or those that are canned in pure fruit juice or water.
Go With Whole Grains
Whole grains are an important source of nutrients for any body, and you can find tons of great products made with whole grains today. From your bread to your pasta and even down to your breakfast cereal, choosing whole grain products will provide your body with the fiber and nutrients it needs for healthy living. Watch out for other starchy foods that are made from white flour.
Learn About Healthy Fats
Believe it or not, not all fats are bad for you. Whenever possible, you should be avoiding saturated and trans fats and opting for monounsaturated fats instead. This means ditching the butter and lard, and going with olive oil instead. Choose tasty avocado spreads over creamy sauces. Be weary of any packaging that claims to be “low fat” which may just mean that it has a different type of fat instead. This will help keep your cholesterol in check and limits the number of unwanted calories that you are taking in.
Watch Out for Sodium
Nearly all prepared foods rely on added sodium and other preservatives to keep the food fresh. That’s why it’s so important to opt for fresh foods whenever possible. Choosing fresh options supports good nutrition and helps you steer clear of harmful additives.
Here at Lean Lifestyle, we offer fresh meals that are planned by our nutritionists and prepared by our chefs every day. Our meal plans are customized to your goals and desires. So, if you need to make some changes to support better heart health, give us a call today for the best in convenience and taste.
