Healthy Holiday Eating Benefits Your Heart

Posted: November 15, 2012
Provided By: UnityPoint Health - Des Moines

It's almost Thanksgiving! For a day that wasn't declared a national holiday until 1863, it sure has evolved. A lot of things have changed since the Wampanoag tribe and Plymouth Colony settlers feasted together in 1621. Thank goodness, we no longer have to track and hunt wild game for our meals. Instead, we have a great time experimenting with homemade stuffing, enjoying turkey and savoring pumpkin pie.

However, if you're worried about overeating or putting on extra pounds this Thanksgiving or holiday season, here are a few tips for maintaining a healthy diet and decreasing your risk for heart disease. For instance, did you know that high cholesterol foods can hurt your heart? It's also important to stay away from foods that are high in fat as well as sodium. Instead, you can make conscious decisions to eat healthy items like:

Deeply colored vegetables and fruits such as spinach, carrots, peaches and berries;
Whole-grain, high fiber foods spanning from beans, oats, oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa;
Oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines; and
Lean meats.

In addition, if you're short on easy recipes or would like to try something new, there are thousands of healthy ideas posted on the following websites:

Choosing healthy foods to keep your heart healthy is definitely within your control. Do it for yourself and your family. You won't be disappointed.

In the United States, about 600,000 people die of heart disease!

That's 1 in every 4 deaths. That's why eating smart and maintaining a positive outlook on food can make a significance difference to you and your loved ones during this holiday season.