Did you know that 1 in 10 people in the U.S. aren’t not getting the food or nutrients they need? A good understanding of healthy food options is essential to utilizing food as medicine to help improve your overall health. HonorHealth has partnered with the American Heart Association to help increase awareness around your heart health and promote heart healthy food options.
Healthy eating starts with choosing healthy foods
It’s no secret that whole fruits and vegetables are good for you, but have you ever wondered how to choose healthier alternatives for the other foods you eat? A good balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals in our diets is important to help sustain a healthy body. Instead of cutting out certain categories of food, learn about healthier options that you can easily swap out.
There are plenty of shelf-stable options to choose from, even when you’re trying to make heart healthy choices. Items like natural peanut butter, beans, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, dried fruit, canned meat and soups are all affordable options that can help you make the switch. Choosing healthier foods will help you feel better and have a huge effect on your overall health.
Consuming junk food, sugar and highly processed foods may be contributing to inflammation in your body, which is a big factor in arthritis and is believed to play a role in heart disease as well. Fruits and veggies are loaded with antioxidants that help soothe and decrease inflammation in your body. Eating foods that are high in dietary fiber can help lower your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Putting your plan into action
Need some ideas? Here’s a list of some of the fruits and vegetables that can help combat inflammation and decrease your risk of heart disease:
- Berries: Blueberries pack the most punch, but blackberries, raspberries and strawberries are all good for you.
- Whole fruits: Apples, avocados, pears, bananas and oranges all are high in fiber.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots and squash rank high in reducing inflammation.
It is recommended that you eat a total of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Not only are fruits and vegetables low in calories and high in nutrients, but they can also help you feel full faster and decrease the chance of filling up on unhealthy foods. Next time you prepare a meal, consider adding a cup of chopped vegetables such as broccoli, tomatoes, squash, onions or peppers. Whether you prefer to cook them or eat them raw, prepare them in the way you are most likely to eat them. A vegetable-rich dish will be more flavorful and have fewer calories. Just remember, if you’re buying more produce, stretch your dollars and reduce waste by knowing how to store fresh fruits and vegetables with this helpful guide.
When you decide to introduce healthier habits into your daily routine, try to keep things simple. You don’t have to change everything all at once. Introduce a new healthy food habit over a few weeks, and then add another healthy habit when you’re ready. Your body will thank you for it.