February is one of my favorite months, because it includes Valentine's Day. That day is extra special for me because it's the day I got engaged! But February isn't just about celebrating love, it's also American Heart Month, when we focus on heart health.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but experts say that following a healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke by 80%. That's HUGE! So, what is a heart healthy diet?
If you search the internet for a heart healthy diet, you'll get thousands of suggestions. My clients tell me that they get overwhelmed by all the information that's out there. I find that it's best to start with some simple changes that can make a big difference in your overall health. If you'd like to improve your health by improving your diet, start with the following:
1. Reduce and/or eliminate saturated fats and trans fats.
2. Eat whole grains.
3. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
4. Avoid salt and processed foods.
Learning to eat a heart healthy diet is going to mean changing some habits. It's helpful to learn to read and interpret food labels. And cooking at home is always going to give us more control over how healthy our meals are. But with a little knowledge and some perseverence, we can make big improvements in our overall health.
Life is the sum of all your choices.
- Albert Camus
Make the right choices for a healthy heart!
