Simple Diet and Lifestyle Substitutions That Promote Heart Health

No matter how old you are, making significant lifestyle changes can be difficult and overwhelming. In some cases you’ve had the same diet and exercise habits for decades and turning over a new leaf doesn’t happen in a day.

The all-too-popular trend of going all in on a specialty diet and eventually failing at it makes living a heart-healthy lifestyle feel like an impossible task. That’s exactly why we recommend starting your heart health journey by making small substitutions and taking each day at a time.

Here are some easy ways to change your diet and exercise habits:

Snack On Fruit
Are you a snacker? This can be especially difficult if you live in a home or work in an office where you are frequently surrounded by bowls of candy or bags of chips. But snack time doesn’t have to get the best of you. Next time you feel the hankering for something sweet, reach for a piece of fresh fruit instead.

Swap Out Your Sugary Coffee
Are you heading to Starbucks every day to get your caffeine fix? Unless you really like the taste of black coffee you might be tempted to order a sweet and creamy holiday coffee drink that’s covered with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate. Next time, opt for an unsweetened tea instead. In may take you time to get used to the less sugary beverage, but one small adjustment like this can make a big impact on your diet.

Choose The Fish
In a world of burgers and barbecue, choose the fish. Next time you’re out for dinner with friends or family, think carefully before ordering a high-fat meat option and scan the menu for fresh fish. Not only is it a lighter choice, but fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are very good for your heart. And while you’re at it, opt for the green salad or fresh veggies instead of the fries. Committed to just one meal substitution per day will make a difference in your life.

Take The Stairs
Looking for a way to get a little more activity in your day? Take the stairs. Even a couple of trips up and down the stairs can your heart beating faster. Or, if stairs aren’t an option, park a little farther away from the entrance to the grocery store. The goal is to get your body moving and your blood pumping a little more today than it did yesterday.

As they say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Don’t panic over perfection, just make a couple of these simple substitutions each day and before you know it you’ll be living a whole new lifestyle. If you more have questions about how to maintain your heart health, contact us today.