The Healthy Heart Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most important factors in preventing and caring for heart disease. Proper nutrition can help manage symptoms of the disease as well as slow down, stop and even reverse the artery clogging process.

Start by choosing your foods wisely. Serve vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes at every meal and opt for water instead sodas, teas or other sugar added drinks.

Limit your intake of fat calories that are contained in butter, salad dressings, sweets and deserts. Instead consider using products that contain olive oil, peanut oil, and soybean.

Limit red meat and dairy products which are one the main causes of heart disease. Substitute steak and hamburger with leaner meat and better yet, fish which is high in Omega 3 fatty acids which can help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.

Eat more energy boosting complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes, and whole grain breads.

Hold the salt. Excess salt can lead to high blood pressure which is a main cause of heart disease. Fight the urge to add more salt your food.

Water, water everywhere. Stay hydrated by drinking 32 to 64 ounces of water every day. Water can make you feel energetic and reduce hunger pains.

Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals can often lead to overeating during the next meal or snacking on high in sugar treats or trans fat chips in between meals. By eating five or six mini meals a day you can help control blood sugars, burn more fat and regulate your cholesterol levels.

Exercise daily. There is simply no substitute for daily exercise and maintaining a healthy heart. Even a brisk 15 minute walk can help reduce blood pressure and burn fat.

The bottom line is, the healthier you eat the healthier your heart will be, the longer you will live.