motd Monday April 2, 2012

[Guest guest]

A FEW LITTLE

CHANGES

Monday, 02 April 2012

Did you know that making a few little changes

in your lifestyle can help you live a longer,

healthier life? Sadly, heart disease is one of the

leading causes of death in America. But there're some

little changes you can make everyday to make your

heart healthier.

Eating healthy and

maintaining a healthy weight are two of your best

weapons for fighting heart disease.

Remember, eating healthy and maintaining a

healthy weight are two of your best weapons for

fighting heart disease. Now I know, making changes

in their food plans are hard for some people. A lot of

them don't know where or how to begin. Well, let me

give you all a few pointers. Here are some of the

little changes you can make to ensure you have a

healthier heart.

Switch from whole milk to 1% or skim milk.

That change will lower the amount of fat you're

putting into your body. And remember, consuming too

much fat is no good for your heart.

Beef is okay, occasionally.

But you want to avoid having red meat everyday. At

lunch or dinner time, choose chicken, fish or, one of

my favorites, turkey more often than beef. And by the

way, when choosing beef, use chuck, round or sirloin

and be sure to trim away any visible fat.

Put away that frying pan! I'm sure it's no

surprise that frying adds lots of fat and calories to

the foods you cook. Bake, broil, steam or grill your

meats and vegetables instead of frying them. They'll

taste great and are better for

your heart.

When preparing to eat, fill at

least half your plate with fruits and vegetables at

every meal. The

fiber in those fruits and veggies are more

filling, contain fewer calories and your heart

loves them.

Fish, like salmon, are

an excellent source of the healthy fats that are

good for your heart.

Fish, like salmon, are an excellent source of the

healthy fats that are good for your heart. Try

to include fish in your meal plans at least once a

week.

Stop shake-shake-shaking! (Those salt-shakers,

that is.) Be very aware of how much salt you're

consuming. Reduce your sodium intake to 1,500

milligrams per day, or less.

Steer clear of sugar-sweetened beverages.

They add lots of calories and provide very little

nutrition. Drink more water each

day, aiming for at least 8, 8-ounce glasses of water

daily.

Hey, I'll bet you won't even miss the high-calorie,

high-fat foods you may have been eating too many of.

And the best part is, you'll be doing your heart and your overall

health a whole lotta good by making these...few

little changes.

Love,