Making the Switch to Heart Healthy
I’ll be the first to admit that my diet used to be really unhealthy. I was young, my metabolism was good, and I was active. I never struggled with weight and certainly didn’t have any health problems. It wasn’t until recently that at my husband discovered he had high cholesterol at a routine screening. That bit of knowledge changed my family’s whole outlook on food and health.
At first, we were skeptical. I’ve always liked vegetables and ate them regularly, but some of the “healthy” foods that I watched my in-laws eat didn’t look very appealing. But I had recently had my second child and was retaining a few extra post-baby pounds I was determined to lose and I was also willing to make any changes necessary to preserve my husband’s health.
So we took the challenge and switched to a heart-healthy diet. To our surprise, it tasted good! So many of the foods we loved could be modified and incorporated into a heart-healthy diet. We switched to whole-wheat pasta, which I was sure would be a sacrifice of taste, but we can’t tell the difference. Vegetarian spaghetti is delicious – so good, you won’t even miss that red sauce we’ve all come to know and love.
So far, the downside to our new healthy lifestyle is time. We’re working on finding great recipes that are quick and easy to make. Those that are really involved we reserve for weekends, and sometimes will make an extra batch to freeze. We’ve found several that have frozen really well and tasted just as fresh and delicious as the day they were made!
Join me in my journey as my family makes the switch to a heart-healthy diet. I’ll share our experiences, successes, frustrations and of course great recipes.
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:23 pm
great share angela… i always share with folks beginning a new diet or nutritional program that the first 3 days are the most challenging, and then it’s SMOOTH SAILING. i don’t even crave the same foods anymore since switching to a healthy program. thanks!
July 23rd, 2010 at 9:56 pm
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July 24th, 2010 at 5:57 am
Eating healthy does not have to be difficult. It just takes time to find the foods that you enjoy within the healthy food group. Your point is very valid. It can be done. And if you manage that, it makes it much easier to stay on track. After all, you are eating foods you like.
July 26th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
The whole wheat pasta is delicious!
I have heard cooking your veggies take the nutrients out of them, but recently I read that having all raw veggies isnt the way either.
In fact cooking some veggies actually enhances some of the minerals and makes the food easier to digest.
What are your thoughts?
Joe
July 28th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Great post, thanks for the inspiration. The more fruits and vegetables in my diet, the better I feel, so you’re preaching to the choir!
July 28th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Hi Angela, I struggle with the same thing - time. And I’m not real good at planning meals. Our family is slowly making the switch to eating more natural and healthy foods. What we thought was “okay” and then started actually looking at the labels, it really was an eye opener (”No wonder?!” :)).
While fruits aren’t a problem for me, I do have a difficult time eating vegetables. What do you think of juicing?
I will definitely be following your journey
Have a Blessed Day, Laura
July 29th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Hi,
I just had the following discussion with someone:
“An unhealthy diet can taste absolutely delicious..the problem is that if you stick to it you won’t be around long enough to enjoy your family and the world around you.
A healthy diet can taste absolutely delicious, make you feel great, look great and help you stay fit enough to enjoy your family and everything the world has to offer you.
It’s your choice but don’t complain when the consequences of an unhealthy diet set in!”
Perhaps a little harsh..but the truth sometimes hurts doesn’t it?
Great to hear what you’re up to and the message you are sharing!
July 29th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
read your post and I loved it wheat based pasta amazing if you garden our have a great farmers market in your area there is a zucchini called spaghetti zucchini that is rich in favor. I would love it if you would post a link to the recipe for the Vegetarian spaghetti I do organic gardening and because I’m on the computer most of the time when it rains or is too hot to do what I love gardening I don’t get a lot of a workout. So eating health wise foods is a must for me. I like the fact you have found heart healthy foods that taste good. Ever try coleslaw fresh out of the garden yummy.
July 30th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Being health conscious is the best advise you can give anyone. I am glad that you are bringing you kids with this. I work with kids and I see horrors in their food habits….just asking for trouble. I am trying to suggest one kid at a time.
rebecca
August 5th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
I still remember when my daughter and her husband made the switch to a healthy diet. They had so much energy and just had a glow about their faces. Then, when they planned their pregnancies, it gave my husband and I peace of mind to know that all would be well because of their care and concern for their own health. Now our two grandchildren are bright, inquisitive, not “sit in front of the TV and each junk food” kids. They actually ask for more healthy choices! Thanks for such a fine post and the reminder to take good care of our #1 asset… our health!
Deborah