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In my family all events revolve around food, particularly foods that are greasy, delicious, and anything but heart healthy.  Does anyone have suggestions for encouraging healthful eating in that sort of environment?  (Be it ingredient substitutions in the foods or encouraging family members to eat healthier...)

Previously Amanda Russo wrote:

In my family all events revolve around food, particularly foods that are greasy, delicious, and anything but heart healthy.  Does anyone have suggestions for encouraging healthful eating in that sort of environment?  (Be it ingredient substitutions in the foods or encouraging family members to eat healthier...)

Hello Amanda!

I am a 30 year old female, who grew up in an environment of "country" eating lifestyles. And even though I have been generally healthy all my life, I really started to be more health conscious after my father died at the age of 51 from a heart attack, 7 years ago. And now that I have constant chest pains, I am being seen for testings now to figure some things out. But, we can all make some easy changes in the way we cook! Hope this helps some!

My suggestions are simply ones that I incorporated myself, so of course, always check with your doctor:

Cook with Olive Oil (if oil is needed) ...or use "Pam" cooking spray

Use Whole Wheat Pasta (not white) Whole Grain Bread (not white) Brown Rice  (not white)

Use as many "Organic" ingredients as you possibly can from a place like Whole Foods

I love Splenda instead of refined sugar

Eat plenty of fresh fruits... Blueberries and raw (not roasted) Almonds are my favorite snacks

Bake a lot of foods (don't fry)

Use Skim milk (not whole) 2% cheese or fat free (not whole milk cheeses)

Anyhow, I hope these help... its the little changes in cooking that can make some big differences! Hope you continue on the path of eating healthy and staying heart healthy!

Cheers!

Shana