It’s still February and February is the American heart health month. Spreading awareness regarding heart health and a healthy lifestyle is one thing that can be done in this month.
According to American Heart Association, there are 10 simple ways to improve heart health:
I. Exercise: Physical activities are the best ways to balance the calories. Walking, running, playing any sport, swimming, stretching, etc are examples of physical activities.
2. Eat Varieties of Fruits and Vegetables: Adding more fruits and vegetables in meals add different flavors, vitamins, and minerals. More varieties of fruits and vegetables mean more diverse nutrients.
3. Choose Whole Grains: Whole grains like barley, wheat, rice, oats, millets, corns, and etc are healthier than refined grains. Whole grains are rich in dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming whole grains is great for healthy gut as well.
4. Eat Healthy Proteins: Consuming plant proteins are considered more healthier than animal proteins. Including more plant proteins in diet keeps you the heart healthy.
5. Choose Your Oils: Cooking oils play important role in the heart health. Choosing a good cooking oil is always tricky. Using non-tropical liquid plant oils are considered good for heart health.
6. Cut Down on Processed Foods: Processed foods are rich in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar that should not be consumed in large amount. Lowering consumption of processed foods is good for overall health.
7. Cut Down on Added Sugars: Added sugar is another thing that should be avoided and majority of the processed foods have added sugar in them to preserve the food from spoiling. Consuming too much added sugar poses risks to health of an individual that includes heart diseases as well.
8. Cut Down Salt: Too much salt 🧂 should also be avoided for a good heart health. Too much sodium is not good for health as it increases blood pressure.
9. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption is linked to so many health problems such as heart diseases, liver diseases, etc. There is no safe drinking level. Least drinking or no drinking alcohol is the best to avoid various diseases.
10. Be Consistent with Your Health Plans: Wherever or whatever you eat, be mindful of the 9 points discussed above. Be consistent in following all these 9 points for a great health and lifestyle.
There is no shortcut to success whether it is at work place or your health. Success takes time.
thanks for these tips! they are helpful!