One cup of chopped broccoli contains 25 calories, 0 fat, and 3 grams of fiber. Spinach Spinach contains carotenoids that can help fend off macular degeneration, which is a major cause of blindness in older people. One cup contains 7 calories, 0 fat, and 1 gram of fiber. Grains, beans, and nuts Peanuts Peanuts and other nuts can lower your risk of heart disease by 20 percent. When you skip meals and get hungry, you're more than likely to choose foods that aren't very good for you. If you are eating away from home, take food with you or know where you can buy healthy food from. 2. Learn about how to prepare foods Instead of deep frying, try grilling, stir frying, microwaving, baking, and even boiling. With there being so many oils and butter products claiming to be the best, it can be quite difficult to know which ones to use and which ones to avoid. 1. Canola oil Canola oil is a popular oil, with many physicians claiming that it has the ability to lower the risk of heart disease. The oil is low in saturated fat, high in monounsaturated fat, and offers the best fatty acid composition when compared to other oils. You should plan a walk after meals, park farther from stores when you shop, and take a few walks around the mall before you begin shopping. During holiday parties and at family dinners, feel free to sample foods although you shouldn't splurge. Decide on what you plan to eat in advance, then stick to your plan. With this in mind, it's recommended that they drink at least 1 ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of weight. Protein At this stage in life, protein is very important. Protein is needed to support a healthy immune system and prevent the wasting of muscle. Since energy needs are less, older folks should eat high quality protein such as eggs, lean meats, poulty, and fish. You should use cream sauces or lots of butter anymore either. When you eat vegetables, try squeezing lemon juice on them or using your favorite seasonings. As you make the proper changes to your diet, keep in mind that it takes time for them to become habits. Eating healthy is always great for your body and your lifestyle, especially when it comes to your heart and the prevention of heart disease.