I find it ironic that February is Heart Health month. The year kicks off with all kinds of health goals and New Year’s resolutions. By the time February rolls around, many of them are abandoned. So, February being Heart Health month is almost a subliminal reminder that we need to keep pursuing our healthy new year’s resolutions.
Calorie intake and its relationship to heart health
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your heart health, and there are several things you can do to keep your heart healthy. For example, exercise, avoid fried foods and reduce your stress to keep your heart strong and pumping freely. In addition, there’s another critical rule to follow to maintain a healthy heart, and this month’s invasion of heart-shaped chocolate candies inspired this blog. Moderate your calorie intake.
Calorie control simplified
Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School drills down calorie control into three simple steps:
- Picture your plate as a peace sign with three equal sections. Fill each section of the plate with a lean, healthy foods from various food groups. Fast food combos also come in threes, the entrée, side and drink, but don’t confuse that approach with the plate peace sign. Instead, build your meal with lean meats, whole grains and veggies. You’ll be making three wiser, healthier decisions without “super sizing.”
- Do not get seconds. Slow down when eating your meals. Enjoy your food. Limit your servings to just one plate. You’ll find yourself feeling just as satisfied when you eat slowly and mindfully than if you sprint across your plate to go back for more.
- Have three bites of anything indulgent. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment if you think you can avoid your favorite indulgent foods forever. Make a plan for when you encounter those beloved sweet, salty or fried foods. Take the first bite because you want it. Have the second bite to be a rebel. Savor the third bite the longest. How many calories did you just avoid by limiting yourself to just three bites? Go ahead. Grab a calculator to add it all up.
Weight loss options
Making healthy food choices and reducing calorie intake are parts of Heartland Weight Loss Clinic’s medically guided weight loss plans. Weight loss surgeries are also available for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or greater. Our medically guided weight loss programs are often paired with weight loss procedures.
My team and I are ready to identify the obstacles that have kept you from losing weight in the past and get you over those hurdles to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Dr. Legrand, Owner & Surgeon
Heartland Weight Loss Clinic