WHY??!!!!”
Protect YOUR Heart
While each women’s journey to a happy, healthy life will vary, here are three ways to prevent heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.
Exercise regularly:
Knowing how many calories you should be consuming daily, to maintain a healthy weight, is just a starter point. While nutrition and calorie information on most food labels is typically based on a 2,000 calorie diet, you may need to make a few adjustments depending on age, gender, and level of physical activity.
For instance, if you are trying to lose weight or maintain your current weight, “increase the amount and intensity of your physical activity to match the number of calories you take in.” Regular exercise is key! Aim for no less than 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week.
Eat a balanced diet:
Eight or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, such as colorful options including: apples, lettuce, and carrots, is sure to do your body good! Whole grains and other high-fiber foods such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, popcorn, and old-fashioned oatmeal are also easy ways to get much needed fiber.
For our foodies, when preparing food, use non-tropical vegetable oils like canola, olive, or peanut oil. According to AHA, replacing “bad fats (saturated and trans) with healthier fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) is better for your heart.”
Don’t smoke:
Opting to just say “no” to the smokes is the most preventable cause of premature death in the United States, reports the American Heart Association. Not only does smoking decrease your tolerance for physical activity, but it increases your risk for developing blood to clots. Meanwhile, secondhand smoke produces several effects that damage the cerebrovascular system. In other words, either way, smoking is a lose-lose situation.