COOKING TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY
Now that the mince pies are all gone, we can get ready for a post-festive season health kick! A new year welcomes new health commitments and we’re rooting for you. A healthy eating plan can help you manage your weight and reduce your risk of heart disease. Ready to start your health journey? Keep reading…
Choose fish
Fish is an excellent alternative to high-fat meats. You’ll find the highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Other sources of fatty acids are flaxseed, walnuts, and soybeans. Flora spreads are made using seed oils that are natural sources of both omega 3 and 6 fats.
Prepare meals
Meal preparation sounds harder than it actually is. The best way to ensure you don’t slack off is to choose a time to prepare for the week ahead. Sundays, as a suggestion, are a great day to prepare meals. The relaxed vibes of a Sunday make it easier to prepare well-thought out dishes. Including fruits and vegetables in your diet can be easy if you keep fruit in a bowl in your kitchen so that you will remember to eat it. Choose recipes that have vegetables or fruits as the main ingredients, such as vegetable stir-fry or fresh fruit tossed into salads.
Limit unhealthy fats
You can reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet by trimming fat off your meat, or choosing lean meats. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a buildup of plaques in your arteries which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Not all fats are the same, and it’s important to make that distinction. In general fats from plants are better for you than fats from animals.
Don’t forget the chocolate
It’s not too good to be true. Chocolate has a bad reputation because our relationship with the decadent treat is complicated. Dark chocolate or cocoa consumption is associated with a lower risk of insulin resistance, stroke, and high blood pressure in adults. You read that right, and cocoa may significantly improve cognitive function in elderly people with mental impairment. Because chocolate is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat, this means that it should be consumed in moderation and opting for a darker chocolate is the better choice. But of course, too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
With a bit of planning, you will find that healthy eating is enjoyable and doable. Just a few tweaks and you’re well on your way to a healthy heart!
