You may be surprised to know that a healthy heart starts in childhood. We now know that early heart disease can be found in children who have poor diets and a sedentary lifestyle. This is why it is so important to teach children healthy habits that will promote a healthy heart and overall well-being.
Kids are like little sponges and they learn quickly from you and their surroundings. Help them instill healthy habits that they will carry with them through their lifetime. Set a healthy example.
1. A healthy heart starts with a healthy breakfast.
2. Look for the words “100% whole” when buying whole wheat or whole grains.
3. Choose and prepare foods with less salt. Most adults and children consume more sodium (salt) than their body needs. Take the salt shaker off the table.
4. Avoid foods with trans fat (you can find it in the food label).
5. Promote heart healthy foods that are low in saturated fats.
6. Salmon has omega 3 heart healthy fat. Omega 3 fat is good for your heart and brain.
7. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60%. Restrict your child’s soft drink consumption.
8. Keep your heart healthy with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
9. Give your family oils from fish, nuts, and liquid oils such as corn, soybean, canola, and olive oil.
10. The heart’s a muscle too. Give it a workout. Exercise can help increase your family’s healthy “HDL” cholesterol.
