5 Heart Healthy Resolutions for the New Year

Ready to get started? Here are five easy, heart healthy resolutions for every lifestyle.

1. Drink more water

You’ve heard it time and again, but the fact remains: Drinking the right amount water is a key ingredient in staying healthy. If you’re drinking more water, you’ll have less room for sugary sodas – which is a good thing. “More than half of the calories we consume everyday come from sweetened beverages,” says Maribet. “Many people forget the cheapest drink is readily available in our houses – known as water.” If you’re looking for more ways to get your eight glasses a day, check out this list.

2. Go green

Make 2014 the year of the kale chip – not the tortilla chip. By keeping your cabinets stocked with heart healthy fruits and vegetables you are in better shape to stick to your resolution. And if fresh doesn’t work with your schedule or habits, remember you can get frozen or canned. Just be sure to rinse canned fruits and vegetables, as they may contain added salts and sugars.

3. Eat seasonally

Good for your budget and waistline, eating seasonally means you are getting food at it’s peak performance and flavor level. (Farmers’ market bounty varies by season, so before you head out take a look at this list.) Additionally, you’ll be supporting your local community and farmers, which is always a great resolution as well.

4. Cut out processed food

Just do it. Decide that 2014 is going to be the year you say no to aspartame, high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oil. In addition to chemicals you’re body doesn’t need or want, processed foods are full of added salt. Higher salt intake puts you at risk for high blood pressure. In fact, 75 percent of the salt in the average American diet comes from salt added to processed food and restaurant food, according to the American Heart Association. So take control and cut out salt where you can.

5. Eat more fiber

Crucial to heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease, fiber is easy to add to your diet. Whole grains are filled with fiber, which makes digestion easier and helps you feel fuller when you’re done eating – both key factors in weight management.
Source: AHA website

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