In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy weight and a strong heart are essential for living a long, active life. Medical professionals are seeing a rise in obesity and heart disease globally, which is causing great concern. Our blog below lays out some quick tips on how nutrition plays a vital role in heart health and how our CertainNutrition ™ program at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons can help you achieve success!
Healthy Eating Habits for Heart Health
The foods you eat provide essential nutrients for your body. Thus, good nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy heart.
Heart-healthy, weight-loss friendly foods
- Whole Grains: Such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice
- Lean Plant-Proteins: Such as legumes, quinoa, and fish
- Fruits and Vegetables: Are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber
- Healthy Fats: Such as avocados, flax seed, extra virgin olive oil, and fatty fish (like salmon)
Foods to avoid:
- Processed Foods: These foods can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease
- Animal proteins: The nutrition that red meat, chicken, dairy and eggs provides is inferior to that provided by plant proteins
- Trans Fats: These foods can raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol
- Sugar-sweetened beverages: These drinks can lead to insulin resistance, which negatively impacts heart health
- Added sugar: These are not heart-healthy in any amount
Other Tips for a Strong Heart
Habits take time to change, and it is easy to want instant results. As you start your journey to heart health, it is important to focus on gradual lifestyle changes.
Sustainable Habit Tips:
- Set Realistic Goals
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Practice mindful eating by paying attention to when you are hungry and when you are full
Conclusion
As you begin taking steps towards improving your heart health, remember that small, consistent changes lead to lasting results. Need more personalized advice? Consider CertainNutrition™ at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons to begin your journey to health and wellness!
About CertainNutrition™ at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons
CertainNutrition™ at Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons was researched and developed by Dr. Lawrence Kurz, MD. This program provides you with a personalized plan, customized to the unique requirements of your body and lifestyle with the emphasis placed on attaining your goals. Whether your concern is weight, appearance, quality of life, high blood pressure or diabetes, your program will be designed to treat and/or diminish your health risks and struggles.