Catch that Salmon! Eating Well for a Healthy Memory

We all have a secret food passion. . . maybe chocolate mousse smothered in fresh whip cream, a half-pound hamburger with a side of hand-cut fries, or roast beef and gravy with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

OK. We indulge sometimes. However, heart healthy eating is good for . . . well, all parts of our bodies: our hearts, veins, arteries, and the organs that are nourished and cleaned by a healthy blood supply, which includes our brains!

Look at the list below and number them from 1 (very healthful), 2 (somewhat healthful) or 3 (not healthful at all, but maybe a passion).

• Wild-caught salmon
• Homemade white bread
• Fresh broccoli
• Whole grain bread and rolls
• Olive oil
• Lean beef
• Avocados
• Canned carrots
• Spaghetti sauce
• Almonds

Look for foods that are high in fiber, healthy oils, vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar.

Salmon, olive oil, avocados and almonds win for healthy fats, and broccoli and whole wheat bread gets on the list for fiber – not to mention other nutrients for all these choices.

Lean beef is not great, about in the middle of the list. It provides important nutrients, but should be a limited part of a diet.

Canned carrots and store-bought spaghetti sauce are often very high in sodium (salt) and white bread is low in fiber. And while you are checking, remember that these prepared foods may be loaded with sugar.

The Mediterranean Diet Plan is a good model for healthy food choice. Read more about this way of eating at Health.com’s 10 Things to Know about the Mediterranean Diet.