Have you ever heard the famous saying: "A full stomach, a happy heart?" Read the following tips and, on Valentine's Day, take care of the heart of your beloved one by making a delicious, healthy dinner.
The best way of taking care of your loved one's heart is by promoting a healthy lifestyle that includes an adequate diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) gives the following recommendations to have a healthy heart:
- Check the calories: A diet plan with the appropriate calorie level will help you maintain a healthy weight. The key is to control the portions you eat.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: They are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Besides, they're also low in calories.
- Eat fish at least twice a week: Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help you improve your blood pressure and reduce your blood cholesterol and sugar levels.
- Avoid tobacco: Smokers are two or three times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.
Get cooking!
If you're planning a romantic dinner for this special day, be sure to use healthy ingredients. These tips will help you you make a heart-healthy Valentine's dinner:
- Cook tuna as a main dish. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in poor-quality fat.
- Serve your main meal with plenty of vegetables. Steam them and then season with fresh herbs.
- Enjoy dinner with a glass of red wine. Several studies have found that drinking red wine in moderation may lower the risk of heart disease.
- If you like pasta, try whole wheat and multigrain versions. These are high in fiber.
- For a romantic dessert, use dark chocolate. It contains substances called flavonoids, which prevent cell damage and therefore protect your heart. Surprise your partner or friends with this delicious dessert: Ginger and Dark Chocolate Brownies.
Source: American Heart Association. Retrieved on December, 2008 from: www.americanheart.org
