Research from the Harvard Medical School suggest a number of small steps (but equally giant leaps) to consider in pursuit of heart health.
Some of these are self-evident. Others are common sense. Putting them into part of your life routine is a wise move.
- Take a 10 minute walk. If you don’t exercise at all, a walk is a great way to start. If you do it is a good way to add more exercise to your day.
- Give yourself a life. Lifting a hard cover book or a one kilo weight a few times a day can help arm muscle tone. Start small and build up your strength even with the aim of joining a gym.
- Eat one extra (from your normal 5+ a day selection) fruit or vegetable all of which is good for everything from your brain to your bowel.
- Embrace breakfast. Again with fruit and add whole grains such as high fibre bread or cereal.
- Don’t drink your calories. Sugary drinks and even lattes in moderation can ‘save’ 100 or more calories per day. Over a year this can translate into a significant weight loss.
- If you need a snack go for a handful of nuts even adding them to salads.
- Catch some fish. Fish and seafood are great replacements for red meat. They are also beneficial for weight and waist reduction.
- Breathe deeply. Try breathing slowly and deeply for a few minutes each day. Relaxing and restorative along with helping lower blood pressure.
