Chances are you received some sweets from a sweetheart or another loved one for Valentine’s Day. While savoring a sugary treat from time to time isn’t terrible, it’s important to keep your heart’s health in mind while snacking. Certain foods such as walnuts, chickpeas, and fruits have been medically proven to decrease your chance of heart disease. But don’t worry! Your taste buds can still enjoy a delicious and nutritious snack! There are plenty of ways to incorporate healthy foods into your favorite treats. Take a look at some of these scrumptious ideas:
Substitute your snacking. It isn’t easy to turn down chocolate or a bag of salty chips. Denying your cravings could make you crash, so substitute the bad sweets for some good sweets! Munch on some walnuts when you want something crunchy. Grab a handful of fresh fruit next time your sweet tooth is calling. Naturally sweet vegetables such as corn, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, yams, onions, and squash add healthy sweetness to your meals and reduce your cravings for other sweets. These simple substitutions can go a long way.
Try something new. Eating the same healthy foods over and over gets boring pretty quickly. Be creative in the kitchen instead! Next time you are making breakfast, throw some fresh blueberries in your oatmeal. Making tuna salad? Add some walnuts and grapes for flavor and texture. Use an egg substitute or egg whites when creating a delicious omelet.
Eat with others whenever possible. Eating with other people has numerous social and emotional benefits and allows you to model healthy eating habits. Host a healthy party. Being healthy is easier when you aren’t alone! Host a healthy snack party with new heart healthy foods. Encourage your friends and loved ones to improve their heart health. Not only will your heart be healthier, but also your mind will be at ease knowing you’ve helped others improve their health.
Valentine’s Day is a time to show those you love how much you care. This year, make it a priority to improve your heart health and put your needs at the top of your list. If you are concerned for an elderly loved one, you can count on the senior care services from Senior Helpers of Chattanooga, to help keep them on a healthy track. Seniors do best with care provided in their homes, and you can find peace of mind knowing your loved one never misses an opportunity to eat a nutritious and heart healthy meal.
While it’s very important to make physical changes to protect our hearts, it is also beneficial to care for the emotional side as well. Stress plays a critical role in heart health. Exercise is a great start to de-stressing. Learning to see exercise as a way to de-stress and feel better will make it seem like less of a chore. Workouts like Yoga and Pilates are especially good for relaxing and improving mind-body connection. If you find that meeting up with a friend for coffee or taking a painting class would be an efficient way to de-stress, aim to make that a part of your regular schedule. It’s important to take care of our hearts both physically and emotionally.
If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent in home assisted living and the many benefits of professional senior care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers of Chattanooga to speak to a senior care specialist today 423-710-1500! The compassionate senior care specialists at Senior Helpers can also guide you through the process of receiving the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Benefit if your elderly loved one is a veteran. In home senior care allows your loved one to stay in the comforts of their own home for as long as possible while receiving the level of care they need. Senior Helpers of Chattanooga provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Signal Mountain.