Tips for Healthy Eating

From the American Heart Association:

Here are some tips for healthy eating:

• Coconut is high in saturated fat; olives and avocados are high in monounsaturated fat and calories. Use these items sparingly to avoid getting too many calories from fat.
• When vegetables, grains or legumes are cooked or processed, saturated fats or cholesterol are often added. For instance, egg yolks may be added to breads or pastas.
• Canned, processed and preserved vegetables also may contain added sodium. And in some people, too much sodium (salt) can lead to high blood pressure. Some food companies are canning vegetables with less salt. "No salt added" varieties are also available. Look for these in the market or choose fresh or frozen vegetables.
• Nuts and seeds tend to be very high in fat and calories, but most of the fat is polyunsaturated or monounsaturated (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pecans). Some varieties, such as macadamia nuts, are also high in saturated fat, so check the label. Nuts and seeds don’t have cholesterol and are good sources of protein.