10 Tips for a Healthy Heart
Submitted by Loss Weight diet Consultant on October 18, 2009 – 7:32 amNo Comment
10 Tips for a Healthy Heart
Eating well and being physically active are important for a healthy heart. Try these tips from the American Dietetic Association — your heart will thank you.
- Lighten up. Losing even a few extra pounds helps unburden your heart.
- Be fat-savvy. Trim saturated fat and cholesterol by choosing lean meats, skinless poultry and low-fat or fat-free milk products. Look for foods with little or no trans fat.
- Slash sodium. Look for reduced-salt and no-added-salt versions of canned soups, vegetables and prepared foods. Add less salt to foods.
- Load up on produce. Enjoy colorful fruits and vegetables — their fiber, vitamins and minerals are great for your heart and blood pressure.
- Go for whole grains. Eat at least three ounces daily of whole-grain foods such as whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice.
- Get hooked on fish. Eat omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, trout and herring at least twice a week.
- Go a little nuts. Choose modest portions of foods with unsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.
- Focus on Fiber. The fiber in oatmeal, barley, fruits, vegetables — and yes, beans — is good for your heart.
- Be label conscious. The Nutrition Facts label can help you manage the calories, fiber, fat, cholesterol, sodium and other nutrients in the foods you eat.
- Move to the beat. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Time strapped? Do 10-minutes at a time. Try brisk walking, jogging, dancing, biking, gardening—even vacuuming with vigor!
