Chances are you received some sweets from a sweetheart or another loved one this past Valentine’s Day. While savoring a sugary treat from time to time isn’t terrible, it’s important to keep your heart’s health in mind while snacking. Certain foods such as walnuts, chickpeas, and fruits have been medically proven to decrease your chance of heart disease. But don’t worry! Your taste buds can still enjoy a delicious and nutritious snack! There are plenty of ways to incorporate healthy foods into your favorite treats. Take a look at some of these scrumptious ideas:
Try something new. Eating the same healthy foods over and over gets boring pretty quickly. Be creative in the kitchen instead! Next time you are making breakfast, throw some fresh blueberries in your oatmeal. Making tuna salad? Add some walnuts and grapes for flavor and texture. Use an egg substitute or egg whites when creating a delicious omelet.
Eat with others whenever possible. Eating with other people has numerous social and emotional benefits and allows you to model healthy eating habits. Host a healthy party. Being healthy is easier when you aren’t alone! Host a healthy snack party with new heart healthy foods. Encourage your friends and loved ones to improve their heart health. Not only will your heart be healthier, but also your mind will be at ease knowing you’ve helped others improve their health.
Substitute your snacking. It isn’t easy to turn down chocolate or a bag of salty chips. Denying your cravings could make you crash, so substitute the bad sweets for some good sweets! Munch on some walnuts when you want something crunchy. Grab a handful of fresh fruit next time your sweet tooth is calling. Naturally sweet vegetables such as corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, and squash add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets. These simple substitutions can go a long way.
Moderation is Key. Try not to think of certain foods as off limits. When you ban certain foods or food groups, it is natural to want those foods more, and then feel like a failure if you give in to temptation. If you are drawn toward sweet, salty or unhealthy foods, start by reducing portion sizes and not eating them as often. Later you will find yourself craving them less or thinking of them as only occasional indulgences.
Valentine’s Day is a time to show those you love how much you care. This year, make it a priority to improve your heart health and put your needs at the top of your list. If you are concerned for an elderly loved one, you can count on the senior care services from Senior Helpers of Lansdale, 215-699-5400, to help keep them on a healthy track. Seniors do best with care provided in their homes, and you can find peace of mind knowing your loved one never misses an opportunity to eat a nutritious and heart healthy meal. In home elderly care services are provided to all areas of Lansdale, Green Lane, Doylestown, Buckingham, Carversville, Chalfont, Colmar, Dublin, Erwinna, Forrest Grove, Fountainville, Furlong, Hilltown, Holicong, Line, Lexington, Lumberville, Mechanicsville, Montgomeryville, Ottsville, Perkasie, Pipersville, Quakertown, Richlandtown, Rushland, Sellersville, Souderton, Telford, Upper Black Eddy, Warrington, Harleysville, Hatfield, North Wales, Skippack, Worcester, Mainland, Cedars. Call 215-699-5400 to speak to a senior care specialist today!