Did you eat healthy yesterday? I know I did not. Yesterday was National Healthy Eating Day. I received the press release at noon yesterday. It did not alter my course. I still wanted to share some tips though.

 
sketti
getty images/Imeh Akpanudosen
loading...

I started the day with eggs and sausage. I had Broccoli Beef and Sweet and Sour Pork for lunch then a rack of ribs for dinner. I also had a small piece of birthday cake. I guess it could have been worse. I could have had the rice at lunch and the bread at dinner. I could have had a big piece of cake and some ice cream. That's usually how I roll. I did not stick to the healthy eating guidelines from the American Heart Association though. Maybe if they had sent them before halfway through the day I may have adhered to their tips ... but I doubt it. I will share the tips with you though. They do make sense and I'm sure sticking to them would be very good for your heart.

·         Slow down on the sodium: Did you know Americans eat more than double the daily amount of sodium recommended by the American Heart Association? Too much sodium increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems, but this excess isn’t just from salting your food. Americans get most of their sodium — 77 percent! — from processed foods. If you choose these foods, compare the labels and look for lower-sodium versions.

 

·         Pile on the fruits and vegetables: Choose all kinds of fruits and vegetables — fresh, frozen, canned, juiced and dried. All fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Load your shopping basket with fruits and vegetables of many different colors. Then try the “slender sauté” using a small amount of liquid to cook vegetables. Need a quick, healthy weeknight dinner? Try a salad. The American Heart Association has tasty recipes packed with everything from tofu to broccoli to bacon to mushrooms and much more.

 

·         Get the skinny on fats: Learn how to substitute good fats (mono and polyunsaturated fats) for bad fats (saturated and trans fats). For example, try canola oil or olive oil instead of butter. Choose lean meats, poultry without skin and fish instead of fattier cuts of meats. Enjoy heart-healthy fats in moderation and remember this tip: 1 teaspoon equals 1 serving.

 

·         Save your waistline and your wallet by cooking at home. Cooking at home is not only a great way to make sure the ingredients that go into your recipes are healthy, but it gives you control over your portion sizes too. (Not to mention your budget.) Try using a smaller salad-size plate for your main meal instead of a big dinner plate.

Here are some more healthy eating tips.

More From 92.9 The Lake