Avoid Fast Food
If you often get takeout, this is tough news. We know veggies and salads are good for weight, but too much fast food harms your heart. Fast food has unhealthy fats, salt, and calories, causing weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Stay Active
If you’ve been meaning to use your gym membership, now’s the time. Regular exercise helps with weight loss and strengthens the heart. A stronger heart pumps blood better and lowers cholesterol. Experts suggest 150 minutes of moderate – intensity exercise a week, plus two days of muscle – strengthening.
Reduce Stress
Modern life is stressful, but managing stress is key for heart health. Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can increase blood pressure and sugar, straining the heart. Some cope with stress by smoking or eating fast food, but these are bad for the heart. Dr. Levine suggests listening to calming music instead.
Lose Belly Fat
Cutting abdominal fat is important for a healthy heart. Dr. Levine says, “Lose weight, especially if it’s around your middle. Excess belly fat is linked to high blood pressure, high triglycerides, fatty liver, and abnormal lipids. These are part of metabolic syndrome, a big health risk.”