Maintaining good nutrition habits is tough for anyone, especially for busy families or caregivers. Time and energy are often limited, but eating right is still a priority. Good nutrition begins at the grocery store. Learn to read labels and start buying foods that benefit your body and mind. If you don’t bring it home, you can’t eat it. Eating a variety of healthy foods may help you control your weight and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease by lowering your blood pressure. Use these tips to inspire healthy habits in the kitchen.
- Prep a quick meal with veggies, they can be cooked quickly by steaming.
- Use your time and your freezer wisely. When you cook once, meal prep for several other meals. Freeze it and have a ready-made dinner for the next time you are simply too tired to cook.
- Canned, processed and preserved vegetables can have very highsodium Look for “low-sodium” veggies or try the frozen varieties.
- Choose whole grain for recipes instead of highly refined products. Use whole-wheat flour, oatmeal and whole cornmeal.
- When choosing meals for the week, aim for recipes with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that include skinless poultry, fish, legumes, and nuts.
- Need a quick snack? Keep chopped fruit and veggies in the refrigerator so it’s ready to go when hunger strikes. Looking for something savory? Grab some unsalted nuts. Feeling something sweet? Keep some unsweetened, low-fat yogurt on hand.
Visit recipes.heart.org for a variety of healthy and easy recipes and more information on heart-healthy living.
