Are you a lazy-ass woman who can’t get off the couch and quit snacking? Oh wait, that’s me. Do you want to live a heart healthy life, though? Hells to the yes! Here is the real deal, the World Heart Federation deems cardiovascular diseases as the primary killer of women with over 2 million premature deaths every year. The fact that I slouch around the house when I am not working provoked me into wanting to live a better life, a healthier life. Why should I compromise my health for temporary contentment? (Like hogging a packet of potato chips in one go so the person next to me doesn’t ask for one.)
We are not far from a robotic world domination, or so I’d like to think. Shouldn’t we take the step to secure our bodies into a healthier way of living? For so long I permitted the fog of inertness to consume me, but a day came when I said to myself – IT IS NOT THIS DAY, this day, I would walk the length of the pavement adjoining the Marina beach. I realised how much my body missed the invigorating episode. Let us not give into passiveness, let us join forces and put a smile on our faces and hearts. Here are 5 simple steps to a heart-smart, healthy life.
1. Get enough sleep
Nothing like a goodnight’s slumber to get you feeling fresh in the morning. A good 7-8 hours a day should do the trick.
2. Drink lots of water
Hydrate your body with eight to ten glasses of water a day. We often turn to sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices when we are thirsty, but the healthier option is to avoid them. An American Heart Association volunteer states that “If you get thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.”
3. Eat a balanced diet
A buttery cholesterol-induced plate of parathas can be swapped with a colourful bowl of fruit and oatmeal. Your mealtime staples can include veggies, fruits, whole grains and fish, limiting foods rich in saturated fats (coconut, chocolate, stick butter) trans fats (mostly fast foods) and salt (sodium).
4. Workout regularly
Walk to the bus stand instead of getting a drop-off. Switch to taking the stairs instead of the elevator, a little bit of inclined walking always helps. Take your bicycle to work instead of your car if the distance is reasonable. A daily 30-minute cardio walk or jog is sufficient to keep the body active and fit. An overnight change is unviable, but it is up to us to take small steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
5. Quit smoking
According to the World Heart Federation, 15% of the population in India smoke tobacco and it is a major cause of coronary heart diseases, which leads to heart attacks. So seriously, quit smoking and you can save your life.
“I am joining the Saffolalife #ChhoteKadam initiative in association with BlogAdda and follow these small steps for a healthy heart.”
Ruminations of a Raven 