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Heart attacks are the number one cause of death in America today, and obesity is one of the leading causes of heart attacks. This places heart attacks above even cancer and all other health issues facing our country today! I know this is a sobering thought, but there is good news. The heart is able to be strengthened with diet and lifestyle changes, but you have to make those changes a reality.
Obesity has consistently been associated with an increased risk for metabolic diseases and cardiovascular disease. “An increase in body fat can directly contribute to heart disease through atrial enlargement, ventricular enlargement and atherosclerosis.”
Harold Bays, MD, FACC. Jul 23, 2018
Obesity has been linked to several serious medical conditions, including:
Heart Disease and...
High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Cancer.
Gallbladder disease and gallstones.
Osteoarthritis.
Gout.
Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for a short time during sleep) and asthma.
In light of these statistics, losing weight is about so much more than how you will look in your swimsuit this year. It is about being there for your loved ones and about your future health.
5 things you can do right now to lose weight and strengthen your heart:
1. Control Your Portion Size
How much you eat is as important as what you eat, so be cautious with your portion sizes. Follow the suggested serving size for the foods that you eat.
2. Switch Out Your Cooking Oils
Use heart-healthy fats in the correct serving size, such as avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.
3. Switch To Whole Grains
Use organic, whole grain pastas, breads, and organic brown rice instead of refined white flour products.
4. Choose Low-Fat Protein Choices
Lean meat, poultry and fish, low-fat dairy products, and eggs are some of your best protein sources.
5. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Vegetables and fruits are also low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Like other plants or plant-based foods, vegetables and fruits contain substances that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables may help you cut back on higher-calorie foods, such as meat, cheese, and snack foods.
If you are serious about improving your health this coming year, we have a challenge to help you get started!
Drop the Pounds
Drop the Pounds is a 3-week weight loss Challenge designed to help you eat right and track your exercise and water intake. Over three weeks, you will complete a daily log on water intake, exercise, and time spent outdoors. This isn't just a challenge for weight loss; this is a challenge for a healthier you all around!
For a one-time payment of $39.99, you will receive the following:
3 Meal plans, complete with shopping lists.
A daily log to track exercise, water intake, and outside time.
A chat where you can connect with other members of the challenge.
A weekly weigh-in and weigh-in at the end of the challenge.
The challenge starts on January 3rd, and registration closes on January 2nd. Are you ready to drop those pounds?
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