Monday, February 1, 2010

February is the month of love...

  
 February is the month of love. It’s also Heart Health month. This Valentine’s day show your love for your family by committing to a heart healthy lifestyle.

Change is difficult and should be done incrementally. In order to sustain change, take small steps. To incorporate exercise into your daily routine, walk. Park your car at the furthest end of a parking lot and walk to the store. During your lunch break, take a walk after eating. Use stairs instead of the elevator. When your children arrive home from school, have them spend 15 minutes outside daily. Encourage your children to participate in sporting activities at school or neighborhood clubs. If you can afford it, purchase a gym membership and use it with your entire family.

Gradually add whole foods to your diet. Whole wheat pasta and breads are a simple and cost effective start. Whole grains like Oatmeal is a fantastic choice for breakfast. Be careful when purchasing. Try to avoid instant brands that are filled with sugar and sodium. Remove skin off poultry and buy lean meats. Include fish at least twice per week. Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Your local farmers’ market is an inexpensive choice. If fresh is not possible, buy frozen.

Remember to take small steps and gradually add some of these ideas into your daily life. This Valentine’s day, take your family on the journey to live a heart healthy lifestyle. This will be the best gift you can give to them. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Resources:
American Heart Association
Farmers' Market

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