A New Year, A New You! You are what you eat.

Many people make resolutions at the start of a new year. Goal setting with actionable steps and measurable results often hold you more accountable. If one of your resolutions or goals was to eat healthy, but you hate feeling deprived, you will appreciate these hints on items to select.

Pistachios:

Pistachios offer a litany of health benefits and should be enjoyed daily. They have the highest protein content and lowest fat content of all nuts. Which makes them the perfect little snack for weight management. They are heart-healthy as they are a good source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids which helps in decreasing bad cholesterol and increasing the amount of good cholesterol in our bodies. They produce antioxidants that help in reducing the risk of contracting an age-related macular disease. Pistachios also help in eliminating dryness from the skin. The antioxidants that pistachios provide neutralize the free radicals that form in the body after cellular metabolism and cause conditions like cancer and heart disease. One of the final health benefits of pistachios is that they function in controlling diabetes. These little, green, flavorful, crunchy snacks of goodness are our friends. Find ways to incorporate them into your daily menu. For some tricks on cooking with them, visit Heart of the Desert’s Pinterest.

Red Wine:

Obviously, moderation is important, but it has been proven repeatedly that 1-2 glasses of red wine per day, though not more than 5 glasses per week, can have great health benefits. It boosts heart health with active compounds including polyphenols, resveratrol and quercetin. Red wine lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol just like pistachios. Imagine what the combination of both consumed regularly could do. The antioxidants in red wine enhance the body’s immune defenses and lower the risk of developing several serious health conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases. It’s also been shown to help manage blood sugar in those suffering with diabetes. Are you seeing a pattern between pistachios and red wine? There have also been some studies that indicate that resveratrol found in red wine may help slow the process of cognitive failure in Alzheimer’s patients. Comfortably enjoy that glass of red wine with dinner or at a social event.

Dark Chocolate:

This may come as a surprise to some, but dark chocolate provides many of the same health benefits as pistachios and red wine. It is full of antioxidants and fights free radicals that cause disease. There is cause to believe that the flavonoids in dark chocolate may assist in preventing cancer. They also have a positive effect on the heart by increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. They have even shown to increase cognitive function. So, this yummy morsel can take the place of some of your other sweet treats, without the guilt.

Why deprive yourself, when you can make healthy choices that include pistachios, red wine and dark chocolate? Practice a little moderation and you can snack, socialize and even have a bit of a sweet treat while staying on track.

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.