Create A Heart Healthy Lifestyle
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S., but you can maintain a heart healthy lifestyle by following a few some simple steps.
Create a heart healthy diet
Some simple choices in your diet can go a long way when it comes to your heart. Focus on fresh fruit and vegetables - they are loaded with heart healthy nutrients. Avocados contain fatty oils, oranges and pomegranates contain antioxidants while Kale and other dark leafy vegetables are full of antioxidants, fiber, potassium and Vitamin E.
Rather than having chicken or steak, consider fish as a source of protein. Two meals of salmon, tuna or sardines weekly is perfect for a heart healthy diet. For a snack, try almonds and other nuts - they are excellent sources of Omega 3 fatty acids. If you have Just a handful a day, you may reduce your cholesterol.
Get up and get active
After smoking, obesity is the leading indicator of heart disease according to the CDC. Regular exercise helps maintain a slim waist line and benefits the heart. Adults should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day according to the Surgeon General.
Start with small changes such as walking or riding a bike to the corner store instead of driving until regular exercise becomes a habit. To maintain motivation, try keeping a log of your activities and workouts or enlist your friends and family for support.
