Let me engage you in a discussion concerning your heart. Not the type which races with excitement when you come across a lovely puppy but the one responsible for keeping you alive and well! It is no rocket science that heart health is of great significance, yet even the heart failure can be avoided in a way which is not tedious at all. As a matter of fact, it can be mouthwatering! Therefore, get something to chew (ideally a snack) and let’s get into how you can eat your way to a healthy heart through some simple diet modification.

What Do We Mean by Heart Failure?

Think of your heart as a pump – it is meant to circulate blood supply all over your body. Heart failure occurs when that particular pump is no longer able to bear the weight of the expected functionalities and flows. The silver lining? You can nourish your heart the right way and get it energized. Food is just like carrying fuel to your engine, it is amazing!

7 Such Most Delicious Ways of Developing Your Troubles

1. Get Rid of Processed Foods and Whole Foods (Not The Market!)

When we say “whole foods” we mean proper food, or real food that has not been altered or pumped with strange preservatives. Think of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains and protein. These varieties are what your heart requires to function efficiently and propel the blood to circulation and endurance. Also, Would they please continue to surprise us?

2. No More Salt – Your Heart Will Gracefully Blossom Under This Rule

Sodium is always there! It is packed inside fast foods and canned soups. Use flavored herbs that are fresh such as cinnamon and rosemary. Would you like your food to be dirty? There’s always the option of crushing garlic clove, basil or sprinklings of smoked paprika!

3. Nuts (They are Not Just for Squirrels) – Enjoy ‘Good’ Fat

Not every type of fat is an evil character in the story of your diet.

Some are cardiac heroines! Items like avocados or olive oil, nuts and fatty fish (salmon anyone?) contain good fats that lower bad cholesterol levels. The best part is you will love them! Fat as in greasy, processed is out and these healthy fats are in.

4. Time and Get Fruity, Veggiful, and Glamorous

Your plate must be an art – a ‘rainbow’ plate, and no, we do not mean the ones with candies. We’ll refer to some bright colored fruit and veggies! Specific nutrients may be present depending on the fruits and vegetables such as vitamins, fiber which help protect the heart. The more variations and colors your meal portion has the more nutrients you receive from it. (And it is eye-popping!)

5. Whole Grains All Day!

Do away with white bread and pasta and instead opt for healthy alternatives such as including grains such as quinoa, brown rice or oats. These grains are rich in fiber which helps reduce cholesterol and overall cardiac health. They are also extremely satiating making it impossible for you to crave unhealthy snack in between meals. Wow, how incredible!

6. Protein: Only What’s Lean, Nothing Else Helps Your Heart

As comfort food goes, who doesn’t like bacon and burgers, unfortunately, women heart their heart’s better with lean meats such as chicken, turkey, legumes and tofu. These include food materials which do not contain many unhealthy oils and hence give your heart the essential components needed to strengthen it. Burgers are great but go for the deep sea. Lots of tuna or salmon will satiate that meat craving. These are full of omega-3s which are great for your heart!

7. Sugar? Don’t get carried away, Sweet is the Way!

Well, once in a while, everybody cares for some sugary stuff usually as a surprise, the problem is when people start to overindulge and one can become obese and eventually having some heart issues in the future.

Instead of unhealthy sugary beverages and snacking on sweet foods, try some natural sweet foods, such as fresh fruit or use a small amount of honey. Your heart (and your waistline) will certainly be much more satisfied.

Heart Healthy Foods: Cool Meal Suggestions!

Breakfast Fun: Instead of a conventional breakfast, try some overnight oats blended with chia seeds, topped with your choice of berries and some walnuts. It’s like dessert for breakfast, except that it’s healthy.

Lunchtime Vibes: Just prepare a multi-colored salad of quinoa, spinach, avocado and chicken pieces. You can drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing taste.

Dinner Delight: And then reward yourself with some grilled salmon, oven roasted sweet potatoes and steamed vegetables on the side. Healthy and tasty – you will hardly realize there are no fries!

Snack Attack: Rather than chips, I suggest raw veggies and hummus, or a small handful of mixed nuts. So satisfying to nibble on; your heart will adore the sounds of crunching!

Why Eating Heart Healthy Foods Is So Worth It

Reduced risk of hypertension: When one tries to reduce the amount of salt and processed food they consume, it is only reasonable to conclude that their blood pressure levels will improve, and this means less strain on the heart.

Lower Cholesterol Levels – Fiber and healthy fats might be considered as small scrub brushes helping to get rid of the bad cholesterol and giving a new lease to the heart.

Stay within a Healthy Weight Range: when you eat healthy, you stay full for longer and this helps in managing your healthy weight thus keeping your heart from overworking.

Better General Well-being: As the saying goes, when you eat for your heart, you also nourish the rest of your body-skin, energy, bowel or digestive system is improved.

Conclusion: You Are Right – Your Heart Is The Major Organ And It Deserves The Best!

Your heart works every second of the day to help you live so why not offer some healthy and delightful foods to the organ? From replacing that unhealthy salty munch with a handful of nuts or adding more vegetables to your meals, each effort makes a difference. Excited about beginning this heart-friendly lifestyle change? Dr. Maria Tehrani is ready to help you implement all the steps one at a time so that it is convenient for you. You will do yourself a favor and your heart too!