Most people don’t know that the number one killer of women is heart disease. Surprised? Well don’t be. This is a tricky disease but is, luckily, easy to prevent. Even though most of you are healthy twenty-somethings in college, it’s never too early to treat your body right. Start using a few of these tips now and you’ll thank yourself in 40 years.
1. Eat whole grain foods rather than refined grains. This means opting for the Munchie Mart sandwiches over the muffins. Plus the fiber in the healthy bread means you’ll feel fuller longer.
2. Opt for salmon at dinner a few nights a week. Oily fish has omega-3 fatty acids which lower cholesterol and blood pressure. All you need is at least two servings a week to help your heart.
3. Avoid meat. Yes, this is a tough tip to follow, but it pays off in the long run! To keep your heart (and body) in tip-top shape, you should only eat about 6 ounces of cooked lean meat a day. This serving size is roughly the size of a deck of cards. Instead fill up most of your plate with fruits and veggies! But remember, everything is okay in moderation.
4. Get your heart pumping! Work out for 30 minutes a few days a week and your heart will thank you. Exercise makes it stronger and healthier while giving you the benefit of endorphins.
5. Try to cut back on added sugar. If you dump 3 packs into your daily coffee, you should think twice. The American Heart Association says that women should not eat more than 100 calories of sugar a day in order to keep the ticker working well.
6. We’ve all heard it before: The less salt the better. Sodium is no joking matter, as it affects blood pressure and makes you bloat. Limit your diet to half a teaspoon of salt a day (ok, this is difficult) and your body will thank you.
Some of you might be reading these tips, thinking they sound impossible, but just remember it all pays off in the long run. Even if you don’t stick to these tips daily, following them every once in a while does help! Maybe start with less sugar, and by the end of the year you’ll be following all the rest. Love yourself and treat your body right! http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20465697_last,00.html