The Heart Foundation is urging Ipswich men to think more about their daily diet and regular exercise.
Heart Foundation Senior Food and Nutrition Advisor Jemma O’Hanlon said even small changes that can be adapted into people’s daily routines could make a huge difference.
“Generally, that doesn’t mean giving up a favourite food entirely, but rather making small swaps on a daily basis,” she said.
“The same applies to exercise, which may begin with gentle walking routines that might lead to something more strenuous in the future. Initially, however it’s about making regular and sustainable changes.”
Walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke by 35 percent and Type 2 diabetes by 40 percent.
It’s not just your heart and muscles that benefit from walking. It also helps improve our daily mood, which cumulatively leads to better mental health.
Here are Heart Foundation’s tips for healthy eating and exercise:
- Boost your diet with potassium-rich fruit and vegetables to help lower blood pressure.
- Enjoy more healthy fats from salmon, avocado and nuts to help lower cholesterol.
- Snack on Greek yoghurt for the ultimate high protein boost, pre or post exercise.
- Beef up meat dishes with additional legumes or lentils (a nice little cost saver too).
- Try a hearty new recipe – download the Heart Foundation’s new Winter Comfort Recipe Book.
