Our hearts are actively working twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to pump oxygenated blood around our bodies. It needs as much health and help as possible to keep this good work up, but unfortunately most of us abuse our bodies, thus causing degradation of the heart resulting in heart disease. A leading cause of heart disease is high blood pressure and high cholesterol. One of the best ways to combat high cholesterol and improve heart health is to lose weight, particularly if you are morbidly obese. Here are some tips for losing weight to ensure your heart keeps up the good work for many years to come:
1. Don't starve yourself: Many people believe that the best way to lose weight is not to eat. This is not true at all, the more often you eat the faster your metabolism will burn the food, which in turn will help you to lose weight. However, you cannot eat just anything. You need to increase your quantities of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins whilst decreasing your intake of saturated fats and carbohydrates.
2. Get moving: Although you may balk at the word 'exercise' there are many other ways to get moving. Not everyone has time to visit the gym every day but there are other ways to get active. Take a walk with your dog every day, clean your house thoroughly, join a dance class and take the stairs instead of the elevator. These are all simple ways with which to get your blood pumping and the fat melting.
3. Drink water: Most of the time, when we feel like we are starving, it is actually our bodies crying out for hydration. Not only is drinking adequate amounts of water good for your skin, it also helps you to feel fuller and eat smaller portions when you do tuck in. Try to get at least eight glasses of water in a day, especially if it is very hot or you are working out.
4. Breakfast: The one meal that is often skipped, breakfast is actually the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism. Avoid breakfast cereals that are high in sugar and carbohydrates.
5. Cook healthier: One of the biggest problems with food lies in its preparation. Foods that have been fried in oil or coated in spices and sauces are naturally going to be higher in fat content. Opt for steaming or boiling your food to make it healthier, and avoid adding too much salt.
Weight loss is a journey, and remember that the journey is more important than the destination. Once you start living a healthier lifestyle, you will feel and see the effects on your body and mind. Ensure that you check your heart health and cholesterol levels regularly so you can see the effects of your weight loss on your heart first hand.
Sources
Thapoung, Kenny. 'The 9 Best Weight Loss Tips Ever.' 10. Oct.2012. Women's Health. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/best-weight-loss-tipsFries, Wendy C. '10 Painless Ways to Lose Weight.' Web MD. http://www.webmd.com/women/features/weight-loss-tipsTHINK RED is an initiative from Flora that aims to raise awareness about Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), which is South Africa's second biggest cause for death. The aim of this campaign is not only to inform South Africans about the risks connected with CVD but to also educate them on preventative measures. Flora has brought out a striking red 1.2kg FLORA Light pack that incorporates hard-hitting CVD statistics and this is meant to serve as a daily piece of communication about Heart Awareness.