Wellness Wed: Keeping Your Heart Happy
The big 'love' day is fast approaching & it's also Heart month. Since we're all about keeping you and your heart healthy & strong, our focus this week is all on your ticker. And, since Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers, we're giving you a sweet deal on our gift packs so you can show all your people some self-care love.
Below we get into tips & info on:
1. Foods that support heart health
2. Tips for keeping your heart happy
3. Your sweet deal for Valentine's Day gift giving
4. Signs you want to pay attention to
Foods That Support A Healthy Ticker
The following are some of our fave foods/ingredients to load up on for heart health. Eat a wide range of fruits & veggies (and stock your freezer with the Blended rainbow) to ensure you're getting a full spectrum of essential nutrients.
1. Berries are full of soluble fibre and heart-healthy phytonutrients. Check out all our berry-packed smoothies.
2. Beta Carotene: an important antioxidant, is found in red/yellow/orange veggies such as carrots, sweet potatoes, red peppers, tomatoes, as well as dark leafy greens and spices or herbs like cayenne, paprika, cilantro, parsley. Get your Beta C in our Remedy, After Party, and Greens D-tox blends.
3. Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte found in bananas, avocado, and spinach. Take your pick of our Be Green, Greens Daily Dose, Daily Greens Keto, Matcha Morning, Athlete, and Blueberry Boost for a big potassium hit.
5. Green veggies: spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard/mustard greens and bok choy are all great ideas. Check out our Easy Green & Deep Green smoothies to make loading up on essential greens (daily) super easy.
6. Magnesium: found in dark chocolate, avocado, hemp seeds, and nuts. Try these Blended favourites: Choco Banana Hero, Maca Energy, and Be Green
7. Healthy nuts such as almonds or walnuts will satisfy your hunger and help your heart (15 almonds is a portion). Try the Athlete and Nutty Athlete blends for nutty goodness.
8. Seeds: Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and phytoestogens to boost heart health. Chia seeds also provide omega 3, fiber and protein. Get your chia on with our Sweet Sleep and Blue Coconut Keto blends.
Tips For Keeping Your Heart Happy
2. Eat a heart-happy diet (see above)
3. Avoid salt, refined sugar, processed foods, saturated/trans fat
5. Maintain a healthy weight
6. Get regular health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes)
7. Control your cholesterol/triglyceride levels
8. Manage stress
9. Get your zzzs
10. Limit alcohol
Bonus tip: be kind (acts of kindness have an incredibly positive impact on your own wellbeing, not just others).
Heart Trouble Warning Signs
Chest discomfort
Upper body discomfort
Shortness of breath
Swollen legs/feet/ankles
Irregular heartbeat
Pain that spreads to the arm
Dizziness/light-headedness
Throat/jaw pain
Exhaustion/fatigue
Loud/unusual snoring
Sweating/cold-sweats
Long-lasting cough that produces white/pink mucus
Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, and/or stomach pain
See a doctor immediately if you have any concerns or experience these symptoms. Dial 9-1-1 if you suspect a heart attack.
Check out the Heart & Stroke Foundation for more information.