Small changes to what’s on your plate can add up to a healthier heart. And the good news is, you don’t have to give up the foods you love to make a difference.
September is Heart Awareness Month in South Africa and it’s a great reminder to give one of your hardest-working organs a little extra love.
The good news? Looking after your heart doesn’t have to mean completely overhauling your diet or giving up everything you enjoy. A few simple food swaps can be a great place to start.
What Does Food Have To Do With Heart Health?
What you eat can play an important role in keeping your heart healthy. A balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and other fibre-rich foods, while limiting excess salt, added sugar and saturated fat, can help support your overall heart health.
So, what can you change without making dinner miserable? Try these easy swaps.
There’s no need to give up your morning toast. Choosing wholegrain instead of white bread is an easy way to add more fibre to your diet and can help keep you fuller for longer.
Chicken or fish for dinner? Keep it on the menu. Try grilling, baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying to cut back on saturated fat.
When the afternoon munchies strike, try a small handful of unsalted nuts instead of reaching for the chips. You’ll still get the crunch, along with heart-friendly unsaturated fats.
Soft drinks and other sweetened drinks can add plenty of extra sugar to your day. Make water your everyday go-to and add lemon, mint, cucumber or fresh fruit if you want a little more flavour.
Nobody is coming for your braai. But swapping meat for beans, lentils or chickpeas for a few meals can be an easy way to add more fibre and plant-based protein to your diet. Think lentil curry, bean chilli or a hearty chickpea salad.
What Does BMI Have To Do With Heart Health?
Along with staying active, eating well can help you maintain a healthy weight and that matters for your heart too.
Carrying extra weight can put more strain on your heart and increase your risk of things like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
So, how do you know if your weight is in a healthy range? One place to start is with your Body Mass Index, or BMI. It’s a simple calculation based on your height and weight that can give you a useful indication of where you stand.
It’s not the whole picture when it comes to your health, but it’s a good place to start.
Want to know yours? Use the MiWayLife BMI Calculator to calculate your BMI in seconds.
Can A Healthy BMI Mean Lower Life Insurance Premiums?
Here’s another reason to look after your health: it could be good for your pocket too.
When you apply for life insurance, your health and lifestyle can play a role in how much you pay. Maintaining a healthy BMI and making healthier choices could help you qualify for a lower premium.
Of course, BMI is just one of the factors considered when your premium is calculated. But it’s one more reason to give your health, and your heart, the attention they deserve.
The Bottom Line
Looking after your heart doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start with the little things. Swap the chips. Grill the chicken. Drink the water. Get moving and find out your BMI. Small, sustainable changes can add up to a healthier lifestyle and a happier heart.
And while you’re taking steps to look after your future health, it’s worth thinking about your family’s financial future too. Get an obligation-free life insurance quote from MiWayLife today.
Did You Know:
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