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Please be careful with your heart: healthy and nutritious tips this Valentine’s Day

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Category: Region 1

NNC1Happy Valentine’s Day! As they say, “What’s good for your heart is good for your brain and good for you in general”. Here are some tips to have a good and healthy heart not only this heart’s month but all year round:

  • Instead of buying your loved ones an overload of cakes, sweets, and fatty and salty foods, why not give a more permanent gift. A poem, letter or message may convey more feeling. Avoid eating too much salty, oily, and sweet foods.
  • If you choose to buy chocolates, choose dark chocolate with less sugar and caramel added. Dark chocolate should be made up of at least 60-70 percent cocoa. It has flavonoids, antioxidants, which are good for the heart and blood vessels. Eat only a moderate amount, approximately an ounce (around 30 grams) a day.
  • Be active on Valentine’s Day. Plan an outing or walk around a park or mall. Walking for 30 minutes is good for your heart. Keep a healthy weight.
  • Get enough sleep. Aim for lucky number seven. In one study, young and middle-age adults who slept 7 hours a night had less calcium in their arteries (an early sign of heart disease) than those who slept 5 hours or less or those who slept 9 hours or more. (Amanda macMillan)
  • Home cooking is healthier than restaurant food. Instead of an expensive restaurant date, why not cook at home and enjoy a romantic dinner for two.
  • Split your meal in two. If you still want to go to a restaurant for a date, splitting your meal can cut your calorie intake in half. Consume the right amount of food in every meal.
  • Give fresh fruits and vegetables. If you want to eat something sweet, local fresh vegetables and fruits in season are the healthier choice.
  • Don’t smoke. If your sweetheart is a smoker, encourage him or her to quit smoking. Smoking can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Hence, quitting is the best Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one.
  • Be faithful to your partner. Reduce your stress and enjoy life more.

Be kind to your heart. Be guided accordingly with the existing guidelines towards healthier living. Obey the 10 Kumainments “Sigla at Lakas ng Buhay” and follow the “Pinggang Pinoy” as our guide in every meal not only this heart’s day but make it a habit- FOR LIFE! -BMCC