If you want to promote your heart health, you don’t need to go big. Here are eight simple things you can do to improve cardiovascular health.
Whether we like it or not, change is a part of life – especially when it comes to improving heart health. If you experience a heart attack, stroke, or a condition that increases the risk of heart disease, it’s time to change your habits.
While some people may find it easy to change their diet or physical activity levels, others may have trouble succeeding. Fortunately, you don’t have to make huge changes to see a difference in your heart health.
There are many small and simple steps you can take to improve your cardiovascular health. Moreover, a gradual and slow change may help motivate you to keep going, which will benefit you long term.
The following are 8 simple steps to improve your heart health – and they may lead to big changes.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
1. Take Short Walks
You don’t need to go jogging or running to see an improvement in your heart health. Start off by taking short, 10-minute walks to get started.
2. Lift Small Objects
While lifting 100 pounds or more at the gym may be your goal, you don’t have to start there. Instead, lift everyday objects like hardcover books or 2-pound weights throughout the day to help tone your arm muscles.
3. Treat Yourself with Fruits and Vegetables
Besides tasting good, fruits and vegetables can benefit your cardiovascular and overall health. Consider adding an extra piece of fruit or vegetable to your plate every day.
4. Have a Healthy Breakfast
Start the day right and avoid the syrupy pancakes and greasy bacon. Instead, opt for healthy breakfast options like fruit and whole grains (oatmeal, whole-wheat toast, bran flakes, etc.).
5. Limit High-Calorie Drinks
We know sodas and lattes can taste great, but they are full of sugar and calories. By cutting out just one of those drinks per day, you can reduce your daily calorie intake by 100 calories or more.
Moreover, this reduction in calories can add up throughout the year and result in losing 10 pounds.
6. Eat Nuts
One type of food that’s helpful for your heart is nuts: walnuts, peanuts, almonds, etc. Consider eating nuts as a snack instead of cookies or chips.
Furthermore, you can add them to salads, yogurts, and other foods to enhance your dishes.
7. Be Grateful
Believe it or not, being grateful for the good things in your life may help improve your health. Acknowledging your blessings has been linked to longer life and greater wellbeing.
Conversely, negative emotions like worry, anger, and hostility have been linked to heart disease and high blood pressure. Next time you’re feeling stressed or angry, take a moment to relax and consider the positive things in your life.
8. Take Heart Supplements
There are a variety of supplements that help the body naturally support their heart health. For example, L-arginine Plus promotes circulation and blood pressure health, resulting in better heart health.