With Valentine’s day on the way, there’s love in the air - but we mustn’t forget to love our #1 Valentine: ourselves. That’s why February is all about YOUR heart. This month we are bringing attention to the importance of cardiovascular health and identifying various strategies to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Here are five simple but effective steps to maintain a healthy heart:
- Fuel First. Whether it’s a mix of oatmeal and fruit or whole-wheat toast with some almond butter, start the day off on a fulfilling, nutrient-rich note to help manage blood sugar levels throughout the day. Psst.. greens are a simple and delicious way to add heart-enhancing properties to a meal. Did someone say avocado toast?
- Get Movin’! Whether you’re into CrossFit or a walk around the park in the morning, try getting that blood pumping in the a.m. Scheduling your workout before your day gets too busy can help you stick to your daily exercise goal, and staying active keeps your heart healthy and happy.
- Reduce Smoking. There’s no time like the present to kick an old smoking habit to the curb. Set yourself up for success by lining up your supports, including your doctor, family and friends.
- Avoid Empty Calories. Avoid consuming those sugary drinks - your heart does not love them. They are nothing but empty calories and can increase your risk of coronary artery disease. If you still need to quench that carbonation-fix, try mixing soda water with fresh fruit.
- Healthy Fats = Healthy Hearts. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, also known as the “healthy fats”, are found in foods like fish, avocado, olive oil and nuts. Adding such foods to your daily routine may reduce the risk of “bad”, or LDL, cholesterol, making it good for the heart, the brain, and the waistline.
