In Sickness & In Health: Better diet, healthier heart

Exercise is one way to help our hearts stay healthy but everybody's got to eat.

"I think the most important reason for eating healthily is the quality of life that you'll find by doing that," said Ruby Hayasaka, a dietician at Castle Medical Center.

Hayasaka says it's important to find a wellness plan that fits your life style. It has to be a diet you enjoy.

"It won't be a chore,” Hayasaka said. “I think that it's so awe-inspiring when that happens to a person, because their health improves significantly, their energy skyrockets and the joy that they radiate, you see it right away.”

Just last month, the USDA came out with new dietary guidelines.

"Historically the guidelines have always been for healthy Americans. This year, it was geared for people that are at risk for chronic disease because Americans not eating healthily, poor diet and lack of exercise," said Hayasaka.

And Ruby points out the guidelines apply to everyone - not just those who might be overweight.

"But I want to point out even you're at a healthy - not a healthy weight but a good weight - you're not overweight, that if you're eating poorly and you're not exercising, you're still at risk for these diseases," Hayasaka said.

Heart related health conditions could include diabetes, heart and coronary conditions.

So, what should we eat?

"Whole grains. And not eating a lot of refined and processed foods that add a lot of salt and sugar and fat. If you include meat, fish and poultry in your diet, then choose the leaner cuts and cook it in a way that doesn't add those things that we know that aren't good for us," Hayasaka said.

Every day, we hear new information - dark chocolate is good for you - and a glass of red wine.

"And actually, you can find those same anti-oxidants in grapes, red grapes and in other fruits and vegetables.  So it's however you choose to plan your own program," Hayasaka said.