How to make YOUR Heart Happy

Did you know September 29^th is World Heart Day? Every year this day is celebrated to bring awareness to the severity of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death. Every year about 17.3 million people die from heart disease and stroke. So in 2000 the World Heart Federation founded World Heart Day to bring awareness to this major problem we face. Personally, I know so many people that have been affected by cardiovascular problems themselves or who have family and friends who have. I am definitely all for this movement to improve our cardiovascular health and what better way to do so than through nutrition!

A Heart Healthy Environment

Every year the World Heart Federation chooses a different theme and this year it is creating heart-healthy environments. Many of us have been fortunate enough to be able to buy nutritious food and create a heart healthy environment for ourselves but there are still many that are not so fortunate. Did you know that almost 80% of our sodium intake, a major cause of high blood pressure and heart disease, comes from processed foods alone? And sadly enough, a good portion of lower income families depends upon these processed foods.

So how can you keep and promote a heart healthy environment on a tight budget?

• Look for sales and coupons. Scan your weekly circular for deals on fresh produce, meat, and dairy. Each store usually has a sale going on each week so shop smart.
• Try getting the store brand when it comes to dairy products; they’ll be a little less expensive.
• If you can’t get or afford fresh, go for frozen! Frozen vegetables very rarely have anything added to them but double check the ingredients just in case. Frozen vegetables are flash frozen at the peak of ripeness so they may even offer more nutrients than fresh! Also frozen vegetables are great because they won’t spoil; you can take out as much as needed!

Let’s Be Proactive

If you’re looking to make a change this World Heart Day do so by clearing out your pantry. Toss out or donate some of the processed food in your house so you can fill it with fresh produce, meat, grains, etc. This way you’re creating your own heart healthy environment.

If you’re not up to spring (or should I say Fall) cleaning, then be proactive in a different way. Buy some fresh produce and donate it to your local food bank, food kitchen, or religious institution. They will be so grateful and you will be helping others achieve a healthy and happy heart!

Your turn to take action: This World Heart Day, help promote a healthy environment by spreading the word, donating to a local charity, or making a commitment to keep your heart active and healthy. Let me know what YOU do?

Like this post? Share it!