Healthy Heart Tip #1: Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure results from stiff, inflexible arteries. Exercise boosts blood circulation by up to 25%, encouraging blood vessels to expand slightly and become more flexible. |
Nitric oxide is also produced which relaxes and widens blood vessels.
Both aerobic and strength training can lower blood pressure. Those with over 130/80 mmHg can see between 5 and 7 points in systolic pressure, which is similar to the reduction people experience from taking a blood pressure drug!
Getting the Diet Back on Track Tip #17: Cook!
Cooking nutritious foods is a great way to get in touch with the foods you eat and break the chain of unhealthy eating habits. You may be surprised just how fun, rewarding, and delicious healthy can be!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or our Blog for the healthy Recipe of the Week, posted at the beginning of each week. Here are some great ideas to get you started, from A Couple Cooks:
Getting the Diet Back on Track Tip #16:
Slow down during meals.
Take the time to savor every bite you take. You’ll be less likely to overeat and more likely to enjoy your meal. This helps prevent midday and evening snacking, as you won’t be left looking around for more because you didn’t enjoy what you ate at your meal!
Getting the Diet Back on Track Tip #15: Play!
What kids call “play,” we often call “exercise.” Play a sport, a game, or use the playground equipment to bring the fun back into fitness. If your focus is always on food or drink, refocus on activities that don’t involve your these habits.
Check out this 201 item list of things to do instead of eating or drinking!:
Getting the Diet Back on Track Tip #14:
Learn something new. Sometimes simply taking a quiz or reading an article about nutrition, fitness, or health can change your mindset and get you back on track.