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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Valentine’s Day is a day when many couples celebrate their love with chocolates and other goodies, but it is also a time for couples to focus on how to make their hearts stronger by taking care of the one that beats for them. February is Heart Health month, the perfect time to make lifestyle changes because a healthy heart equals a healthier and happier life.
The foundations of a heart-healthy diet are pretty simple, and whether you call it “heart healthy” or just “healthy” – it’s a diet that not only promotes heart health, it is one that can also satisfy your taste buds, and help keep your weight in check. Here are some simple tips to keep your hearts “healthy.”
· Eat more of this: Fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans —they deliver vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
· “Healthy” Fats? Focus on the ones in foods like fish, nuts, avocado and olive oils. Limit your added fats by cutting back on dressings, spreads, sauces, and fried foods from your diet whenever you can.
· Increase Omega-3’s: Increase your omega-3s by eating more seafood, and focus on reducing your omega-6s by choosing non-fat or low-fat dairy products, poultry breast, lean cuts of red meat, and plant protein sources such as beans, lentils, and tofu.
· Reduce Your Carbs: When it comes to carbohydrates, try to steer clear of processed starchy foods. Instead, fill your plate with foods rich in soluble fiber – beans, sweet potatoes, berries, plums, broccoli, and carrots – which help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. At the same time, you get an added bonus since fruits and vegetables serve up plenty of natural, heart-healthy nitrates.
· Indulge: Allow yourself to indulge a little on Valentine’s Day chocolates. Natural compounds in cocoa called flavonoids are antioxidants that can help fight free radicals. This is a small benefit for the whole body, including the cardiovascular system. So enjoy a bit of chocolate – ideally, the bittersweet varieties. The darker the chocolate, the more flavonoids it tends to have. Just remember that eating chocolate has calorie consequences. You shouldn’t think of chocolate as a “health food,” but enjoy it in moderation.
· Exercise: Many say they don’t have time to exercise; however, a little can go a long way. If you can’t get out for a walk of make it to the gym, why not try going online to herbalife.com to find workouts videos for every level.
Our Herbalife Nutrition experts Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND, senior director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, and former Olympian Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA, vice president, Sports Performance & Fitness are available to speak with you further about this topic.
Additionally, tips from Herbalife Nutrition and fitness experts, along with healthy recipes to help plan the perfect Valentine’s Day meal or date can be found at www.DiscoverGoodNutrition.com.
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