A well balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat cheese and whole grains can help to lower your risk of developing heart disease by keeping cholesterol and blood pressure levels under control. By having a varied selection of these items on a daily basis, you also leave less room for high-sugar and fat-laden foods – which is a leading contributor to weight gain.

Many of us are lacking in these food sources, but a well-balanced diet can make up for that. If you’re eating a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables you’re not likely to get too many high-sugar and fat foods – and the body’s response to them can be harmful to your health. But if you don’t have a good variety, you could be consuming too many of those foods without realizing it.

In America alone, more than a quarter of all heart diseases occur as a result of poor diet and obesity. The first step to reversing heart disease and other ailments is to stop the onset in the first place. A diet that is high in fruits and vegetables will have an immediate positive effect on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall health. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, including cutting out saturated fats, trans-fats and added sugars.

Another thing you should consider when making the switch to a healthy and varied diet is to include whole grain foods. These foods are packed full of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have a positive effect on the health of our bodies. They also keep us feeling full longer and are much easier to lose weight with.

As you make your new food choices, make sure you read the labels thoroughly. Some of the most popular and widely-used preservatives in processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and fats. It is important to replace those foods with healthier choices as quickly as possible, as they can actually add to the burden of diabetes, hypertension, cancer and other life threatening conditions. If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these ailments, try to avoid consuming them completely until you see the doctor.

When trying to reach your weight loss goals, you want to eat healthy. It can seem like a long-term commitment at first, but once you’ve made the change you’ll realize how easy it is to stick with it. This is especially true if you’re used to the types of foods you’ve grown used to. and that you’re used to enjoy on a daily basis.