How to eat heart healthy with Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

Little Rock (KATV) — Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center is recognizing American Heart Month by focusing on heart health for the whole family. Heart-healthy foods are things you may already be including, such as a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy products. Reach for fruits and vegetables that are colorful and high in fiber-think of eating the rainbow. Keeping portion sizes in check is just as important. A serving size is a specific amount of food defined by common measurements such as cups, ounces or pieces. A tip on keeping serving sizes in check would be using a small plate or bowl.

Limiting foods with saturated fats that can be found in animal based foods like beef, pork, poultry, full-fat dairy products and eggs as well as tropical oils like coconut and palm. Saturated fats can be linked to problems with cholesterol levels, which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Replacing foods that are high in saturated fat with healthier options can lower the risk of heart disease. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin. Fish is a good source of protein and, unlike fatty meat products, it’s not high in saturated fat. Olive oil can be considered the hallmark of the Mediterranean diet, which can be a great replacement for tropical oils

Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center always has opportunities for volunteers to join studies, especially for pregnant women and newborns. The MI Energy study is designed to observe how body type and physical activity affect the health of 8 to 10 year old children. Monetary compensation provided for 8-hour study participation You can call (501) 364-3309.