Red fruits are one choice for a healthier heart. And, there are so many more.
As a registered dietitian, I’ve spent my career convincing clients and everyone to make food choices that keep their heart healthier. Since one of my favorite sayings is ‘We eat with our eyes,’ I could describe myself as a rainbow-loving nutrition pro. I challenge you to think about the brilliant colors of food as you design your meals and snacks – and as you do, to enjoy all the benefits of a healthier heart.
A Rainbow of Fruits & Veggies to Keep Your Heart Healthier
If you’re looking for new ideas to jazz up your nutrition then think of the stripes of a rainbow. In grade school, did you learn R-O-Y-G-B-I-V to remember the rainbow’s color stripes? When you write a food shopping list then mix it up week to week. Buy a variety of fruits and veggies that are brilliantly colorful. Here are some possibilities.
Red: Raspberry, strawberry, red cherries, watermelon, pomegranate, red radish, red skinned potato,
Orange: Orange, mandarin, carrot, orange Bell pepper, sweet potato
Yellow: Banana, yellow Bell pepper, lemon, summer squash
Green: Green grapes, kiwi fruit, green beans, zucchini, broccoli, spinach
Blue: Blueberries
Violet: Blue/purple grapes, eggplant, fresh fig
Beyond the Rainbow of Fruits & Veggies to Keep Your Heart Healthier
There are other categories of nutrition that can enhance the health of your heart, too. Here are a few that have years and years of credible research to back them up. And, the best part is that the healthiest choices are also some of the most delicious.
Enjoy eating more fiber – It’s smart to put a focus on eating foods full of fiber for flavor, texture, vitamins, minerals, and more. In an earlier blog, here are handy tips for Finding Dietary Fiber at the Grocery Store.
Learn strategies to avoid too much sodium and highly processed foods – A consistent effort is what’s needed to truly understand what’s in the food we choose. What goes into a person’s grocery cart also goes into her/him. So, taking time to read and learn at the grocery store is a brilliant habit. In an earlier blog, here are 5 Common Mistakes made When Reading Food and Nutrition Labels.
Shift to less sugary desserts – There’s every good reason to realign dessert with better quality nutrition. And, there are options that you may never have thought of. In an earlier blog, here are Less Sugary Dessert Ideas.
A Sensible Approach to Eating Deliciously for a Healthier Heart
The list of healthier-for-your-heart foods is very, very long. Stay open minded to trying some of the food choices listed above and practice as many other healthier lifestyle habits you can. Your heart and your overall health will benefit from a sensible approach that includes heart-loving foods, a good night’s sleep, physical activity every day, not smoking at all, and drinking alcohol only in a small amount or not at all. Here are 2 free resources I offer: fun cooking videos from my kitchen and 6 Mediterranean tips for your next grocery list. Please grab them now.
What healthier heart dishes will you make in your kitchen this week, this month?