22
Apr 13

Use omega-3s to help get a healthy heart

Use omega-3s to help get a healthy heart

Use omega-3s to help get a healthy heart

Maintaining a healthy heart isn't always easy, since it involves working out often, eating the right foods and reducing your stress levels. While yoga and meditation can help you reduce stress and increase the amount you exercise, it may be challenging to to find healthy heart foods. One simple way to change the way you eat and  better your heart is to consume more omega-3 fatty acids.

Not all fats are bad for you, and omega-3s have been shown to reduce inflammation, which may help boost your cardiovascular health. These fats are abundant in olive oil, so your first step could be to substitute olive oil in recipes that call for butter. If you're used to having butter with your toast in the morning, consider dipping some whole grain bread in olive oil instead. Also, always use olive oil on your pasta rather than butter or a cream-based sauce.

Also, avocados are packed with healthy omega-3s and can add flavor to any sandwich. Spread avocado on your bread instead of mayo and you'll be surprised about how delicious this healthy alternative can be.


29
Mar 13

A healthy heart is within reach with these tips

A healthy heart is within reach with these tips

A healthy heart is within reach with these tips

As you get older, it's important to change your lifestyle to protect your cardiovascular system. Not only can these efforts help you stay active well into your advanced years, but it can also protect you from heart disease and heart attacks. Here are three ways you can protect your healthy heart.

Minimize red meat consumption
While you might be a fan of cheeseburgers, steaks and beef tacos, red meat can have a significant negative impact on your heart over time. Because of this, you should do your best to reduce consumption of beef and steak. Try limiting yourself to red meat once a week at most.

Watch your caffeine intake
Beverages like coffee, tea and soda are often loaded with caffeine, which can put extra stress on your heart when consumed excessively. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a morning cup of joe, but don't try to make up for a poor night of sleep by overcaffeinating yourself.

Reduce stress levels
Yoga and meditation can help your enjoy a healthier body, but they're also great for minimizing stress levels. With deep breathing exercises and meditation techniques, you can help center yourself and naturally deal with anxiety in your life.


25
Mar 13

How yoga and meditation can improve your overall health

How yoga and meditation can improve your overall health

How yoga and meditation can improve your overall health

If you've been dealing with minor but annoying health problems, you may want to consider the benefits of regularly practicing yoga and meditation. This ancient tradition is meant to unify your body, mind and spirit. Here are three yoga and meditation benefits that can improve your health.

Trouble sleeping
After a night spent struggling to fall asleep, even the most basic tasks can seem impossible the next day. Sleep troubles are often the result of stress and anxiety. Luckily, yoga stretches and meditation exercises can reduce stress levels and help you get to bed on time.

Back pain
Back pain can be a constant problem that makes it difficult to focus on anything, as it often causes other parts of your body to hurt as well. However, there are a variety of yoga stretches and poses that can relieve muscle and joint pain your back.

Headaches
Poor blood circulation, unhealthy dietary choices and a lack of exercise can all contribute to frequent headaches. Because of this, consider practicing yoga meditation techniques and deep breathing to relieve pain and promote healthy blood flow.


28
Feb 13

Consider practicing yoga and meditation outdoors

Consider practicing yoga and meditation outdoors

Consider practicing yoga and meditation outdoors

If you've been looking to improve your usual yoga and meditation routine, you might want to think about working out in the great outdoors. Whether it's in a local park, nearby beach or in your backyard garden, practicing yoga poses and meditation techniques outside can be a welcome change of pace. Here are a few reasons to take your yoga and meditation exercises outside.

A favorite outdoor retreat
Is there a sunny spot in your garden where you like to read? How about a grassy hilltop in a nearby park where you like to sun yourself? Heading to these favorite outdoor locations can be a great way to relax and enjoy yourself while practicing yoga.

Fresh air benefits
Deep breathing techniques are integral to the success of your yoga meditation and stretching exercises. Spending time practicing yoga outdoors can be a nice way to treat your lungs to the benefits of fresh air.

A moment of peace and quiet
Between the kids running around, the phone ringing off the hook and other electronic devices blaring, there can be plenty of household distractions that can impede a yoga workout. Luckily, you can enjoy the sweet sound of silence when you exercise in the backyard or local park.


07
Feb 13

Tips for getting started with a class for yoga and meditation

Tips for getting started with a class for yoga and meditation

Tips for getting started with a class for yoga and meditation

Joining a new class for yoga and meditation can have a number of benefits, including weight loss, a healthy heart and better eating habits. However, you’ll want to do the proper research before committing to a yoga studio. Here are three tips to keep in mind before you get started.

Find a studio that matches your schedule
When you already have so many demands on your time, you don’t want to make it nearly impossible to fit a yoga workout into your week. Ideally, you should look for a studio with classes that work with your professional and home schedules that is also convenient to your commute.

Keep looking
While you may have found a studio that seems like a good match, there’s no harm in continuing to shop around. Experimenting with different instructors and styles of yoga will give you a better sense of what you want and don’t want out of your workout.

Talk to members
You should also make a point of speaking with regular members of yoga studios you visit. Find out what they like most about the class and how they arrived at their decision. These conversations can give you helpful background on yoga.

 


26
Jan 13

You can enjoy a healthy heart and body with better eating habits

You can enjoy a healthy heart and body with better eating habits

You can enjoy a healthy heart and body with better eating habits

If you’re concerned about taking care of yourself in your later years, chances are you’re thinking about ways to enjoy a healthy heart and body. In addition to exercise, shifting your eating habits can make a big difference in your fitness goals. Here are a few tips and tricks for getting your diet started.

Diet with a friend
There’s no better way to ensure you’ll stick with a new diet plan than changing your habits alongside a friend. Together, you can provide words of encouragement for your health goals while also cooking up tasty and health-conscious recipes.

Use a calorie counter
You can keep accurate records of your diets progress by using a calorie counting program on your smartphone or computer. Not only will this allow you to track which foods you’ve eaten in a given day, but you can also plan out healthy heart recipes in the future.

Don’t eat late
There’s nothing wrong with having an occasional snack – even when you’re on a diet. However, you should try to limit your eating to before the late hours of the night. Eating right before bed can cause problems with your digestion and metabolism, causing you to retain more calories.


11
Dec 12

Three tips for enjoying a healthy heart this holiday season

Three tips for enjoying a healthy heart this holiday season

Three tips for enjoying a healthy heart this holiday season

Are you concerned that your good health habits are going to take a hit this holiday season? Trying to find a way to protect your healthy heart against all the delicious dinners and desserts you'll be enjoying? Yoga and meditation techniques can provide you with the means to keep up with your heart's needs. Here are three tips to keep in mind.

Yoga helps you sleep
Aside from greasy foods, there's nothing worse for your heart than constant feelings of stress and anxiety. Luckily, practicing yoga and meditation exercises on a regular basis can aid in better sleep habits, so you'll feel more relaxed and rested during the holidays.

Yoga stretches burn calories
Looking for a low-impact way to exercise that doesn't subject you to the cold winter weather? Yoga is an activity that can take place entirely indoors, allowing you to increase your strength and flexibility while burning off those extra calories – essential activities for protecting your heart. A healthier weight puts less stress on your ticker as well.

Yoga promotes better blood circulation
Last but not least, regular activity such as yoga can help promote better blood circulation in the body. This not only boosts the cardiovascular system, but it can help relieve muscle pain and tension as well.


10
Dec 12

Three reasons yoga and meditation are perfect for the holiday season

Three reasons why yoga and meditation are perfect for the holiday season

Three reasons why yoga and meditation are perfect for the holiday season

Worried that you won't be doing enough to keep up with your physical activity and health requirements this holiday season? It can be tough to find the time to exercise and eat well when you're constantly shopping, cleaning, cooking, decorating and traveling. However, yoga and meditation are perfectly suited to the demands of the holidays. Here are three reasons you should consider practicing yoga.

It's mobile
If you're going to be traveling far and wide this holiday season, you might be wondering how and where you will exercise. Luckily, yoga is a completely mobile and versatile workout plan that requires only you, a mat and your determination. You can practice stretching exercises at a hotel, guest bedroom and even on the side of the road if need be.

It helps with stress
There's no doubt that you're going to feel the stress and pressure of the holidays building as you push deeper into the season. However, meditation and deep breathing exercises are simple and effective ways of relieving tension and reducing overall anxiety. They can also help you sleep better for added energy levels.

You can do it indoors
Is there anything worse than going outside for a run, only to discover it's freezing cold? While the winter weather may make it difficult to exercise outdoors, yoga and meditation exercises are activities that can take place entirely in the warmth and comfort of your own home.


11
Oct 12

Three dietary tips for a healthy heart

Three dietary tips for a healthy heart

Three dietary tips for a healthy heart

Regularly practicing yoga and meditation can do wonders for your cardiovascular system, but you should also keep healthy eating habits and good nutrition in the front of your mind. Here are a few dietary tips to help you work toward a healthy heart.

Portion control
It's not just about what you eat, it's also how much you eat that makes a difference. It's best to keep your portions limited to the recommended servings to make sure you're not overeating and ingesting too many calories. Keep an eye on nutritional information when making your own meals and resist the urge to go back for second helpings.

Limited red meat
While you don't necessarily need to give up red meat entirely, it's best to limit the amount of beef you eat during the week. Instead, consider substituting healthier options like a turkey burger instead of a cheeseburger or chicken instead of steak for dinner.

Smarter cooking
Cooking at home can be a great way to exercise extra control over your diet. In particular, you should consider eliminating fatty ingredients like butter, gravy, lard and cream sauces. Instead, olive oil, canola oil and margarine offer fats that are much kinder to your body and heart.


11
Sep 12

How yoga can help you enjoy a healthy heart

How yoga can help you enjoy a healthy heart

How yoga can help you enjoy a healthy heart

Regardless of your age, it's never too early or late to start thinking about working toward a healthy heart. While there are a variety of exercise and nutrition programs that can help you achieve this goal, you might want to consider signing up for a regular yoga class. Here are some of the benefits that yoga and meditation exercises can have on your heart.

Physical fitness
For starters, the various yoga poses and stretching exercises you'll be participating in can have a significant impact on your overall health. It doesn't matter what kind of physical activity you engage in, getting out there and moving will help you build a stronger heart.

Meditation
Whether it's from work, home or another source, constant stress and anxiety can take quite a toll on your heart's health. If you're looking for a way to relax and have stress melt away, regular meditation can certainly help. Consider taking a few meditative breaks during your day to sit quietly, get comfortable and push distracting thoughts out of your consciousness.

Better sleep
Poor sleep is a significant contributor to stress, and it can affect your metabolism. Luckily, deep yoga breathing exercises, meditation and physical activity can aid with getting to sleep when you want to and staying asleep throughout the night. Waking up feeling rested, relaxed and ready to take on the day can make a big difference where you heart is concerned.