The current generation is so much affected by lifestyle diseases. Many people nowadays have a poor eating habit. To make it worse, exercise has become a rare phenomenon. It is important to remember that a healthy heart begins with a heart healthy diet.

Healthy eating starts from the portion of food eaten. The amount of food you eat is as equally worrying as the type of food you are eating. You should always control the servings you eat and maintain a desirable and constant serving size. Having control over your food portion is important as it checks the amount of cholesterol and fat consumed. Also, make a habit of eating more foods with low calorie content, but rich in nutrients and minimize on refined and processed fast foods, with high sodium and calorie content. Vegetables and fruits are good examples of low calorie but nutrient rich foods.

A good diet also entails eating more vegetables and fruits. They are not only good sources of vitamins but also minerals. In addition, they have a low amount of calories and are rich in fiber. Vegetables and fruits have plant substances which may be helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease. Keep a habit of eating more vegetables and fruits as this reduces your chances of eating high fat foods including meat, snack foods and cheese.

It is even more easy and appetizing to feature fruits and vegetables in your diet. Keep a stock of washed and well cut vegetables in your refrigerator. This acts as quick snacks. Fruits should be kept in the kitchen, where they are easily seen to enhance appetite. Also incorporate fruits and vegetables in your recipes. Using these vitamins as main ingredients in vegetable stir-fry and fruit salads is appetizing.

Watch out the fruit or fruit product for consumption. Always prefer fresh or otherwise frozen fruits and vegetables. When selecting among canned fruits and vegetables, opt for those with low sodium content and juice or water packages for fruits. Avoid browned vegetables and those with velvety sauce. Also avoid fruits that are canned in heavy syrup and those frozen, with sugar added.

Enhance your diet by adding whole grains. They are rich in dietary fiber among other nutrients that are vital in controlling blood pressure and enhancing heart healthy. The amount of whole grains can be enhanced in a diet by substituting refined grain products. You can also adventure in such whole grains as quinoa, whole-grain couscous and barley.

You can also include whole grains in your diet by adding ground flaxseeds. They are tiny brown seeds high in fiber content and omega three fatty acids that can lower your aggregate blood cholesterol. The seeds can be ground in and stirred into yoghurt, hot cereal and applesauce.

However, whatever your eating plan, observe the following guidelines; keep the total fat at less than 30%. Maintain both saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids at less than 10 percent of the total calories per day. The intake of cholesterol and sodium must not exceed 3000 milligrams daily. Minimize salt intake and do some exercises more often. Being active strengthens heart muscles, enhances blood flow and reduces or otherwise prevents high blood pressure. It also raises HDL cholesterol, and helps regulate blood sugars and the weight of the body.