The American Heart Association is encouraging Hoosiers to take a step toward a healthier lifestyle by improving their diet on Start Eating Healthy Day, which is Nov. 2.
A recent American Heart Association study shows that 70 percent of American adults report being told by a health care professional to make a lifestyle change.
Start Eating Healthy Day signifies the dedication of the American Heart Association to the health and wellness of all Americans. It is not only beneficial for the heart to engage in physical activity, but it is also important to maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Start Eating Healthy Day encourages people to make small changes each day to incorporate healthier food choices, including increasing awareness of the importance of good nutrition and providing education, tools and resources to companies nationwide.
A free toolkit, which includes a Holiday Healthy Eating Guide, is available at www.heart.org/starteatinghealthyday.
American Heart Association recommendations to reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke include:
• Limit the intake of added sugars to your daily discretionary calories.
• Limit saturated fat to less than 7 percent and trans fat to less than 1 percent of daily calorie intake.
• Limit cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg per day.
• Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day (about 1 teaspoon).
• Choose fresh, frozen and canned vegetables and fruits in light sauce/syrup, sugar-free or low-sodium varieties.
• Consume whole-grain products, beans, fruits and vegetables to increase fiber.
• Use liquid vegetable oils instead of solid fats.
• Eat lean cuts of meat.
• Grill, bake or broil fish, meat and poultry.
• Choose whole fruits and vegetables in place of juices.
