Lifestyle changes
Healthy living is good for your heart
Exercise: Exercise helps your body work better, makes you feel better physically and mentally, and lowers long-term health risks. Exercise lowers your health risk in all these ways and more:
- Burns calories and helps you lose weight
- Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
- Strengthens heart and lungs
- Increases muscle strength and bone density
- Reduces physical and mental stress
Even if you don't think you like to exercise, it's worth the effort in order to get all these benefits (and others besides)! And almost everyone can find some kind of exercise to like. You don't have to run a marathon. Everything counts: walking the dog, taking a bike ride, doing yoga, dancing, or tennis. Choose what works for you.
There are many sites on the web where you can learn more about exercise options.
Eating for health (and loving it)
Everyone benefits from eating a healthy diet, one rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans and other fresh, simple foods. On the other hand, a diet heavy in fats and sugars contributes to many health problems, including heart disease.
Change your life with diet. Making a commitment to eating fresh, whole foods will help you manage your heart risk. Healthy eating will help you to:
- Manage weight
- Lower bad cholesterol
- Lower blood pressure
- Gain energy
- Reduce health risks
Deprivation? Or Delight? Making a dramatic change in the way you eat is a big commitment. It may not always be easy, especially if you feel like you are always denying yourself things you like.
So focus on what's good, instead of what you miss. One thing that can help is to take a moment each day to notice how much better your body feels when you eat right. Make a point of thoroughly tasting and enjoying each bite you take. Also: reflect on and feel proud about the progress you're making to better health.
Be kind to yourself. Changing habits takes time. While you are making the change to a healthier diet, treat yourself with the same kindness you would show a friend. If you slip up, forgive yourself. Then get right back on track, because you want the benefits.
Learn more about healthy food choices at these respected sites.
Learn more about
