As we roll into February, we're reminded of a cause that's dear to all of us - our hearts. February is American Heart Month 1, an opportunity to raise awareness about heart disease and how we can prevent it. Embrace your health journey with Hungry Squirrel's wholesome, low-calorie, and sugar-free dressings and sauces. In honor of this, we're sharing some heart-healthy nutritional tips:
1. Embrace Healthy Fats
Choose heart-healthy unsaturated fats like avocados, nuts, and seeds. These foods contain monounsaturated fats which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and provide nutrients to maintain healthy cells.
2. Opt for Lean Proteins
Choose lean proteins like fish and skinless chicken. Fish like salmon and mackerel are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
3. Choose Low-Carb Veggies
Non-starchy vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, asparagus, tomatoes, broccoli, and zucchini are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them a great choice for the keto diet. Plus, they are full of antioxidants and vitamins that are good for your heart.
4. Limit Saturated and Trans Fats
Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats such as red meat and processed food. These can increase your blood cholesterol levels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial on a keto diet to help avoid dehydration, especially when starting out. Staying hydrated also helps your heart pump blood more easily, which can improve circulation and overall heart health.
6. Limit Alcohol
Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation.
7. Regular Exercise
This isn’t a dietary tip, but it’s vital. Regular exercise works hand-in-hand with your diet to keep your heart healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
As we celebrate American Heart Month, let's remember that even within the framework of a specialized diet like keto, we can make choices that support our heart health. Remember, embarking on your health journey is an exciting time, but it's always wise and comforting to have the guidance of a healthcare professional. Here's to a month (and lifetime) of heart-healthy living!
1."American Heart Association." American Heart Association,2024 www.heart.org/en/. Accessed 3 Jan. 2024.