Tips for a Heart Healthy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Whether you’re in a relationship, single, or celebrating your friends and family today, this holiday is typically associated with sugar, sugar, and more sugar. (Those discounts on candy the day after, am I right?)

Unfortunately, research over the last few years indicates that added sugars can play a huge role in the prevalence of heart disease. According to an article from Harvard Health, “participants who took in 25% or more of their daily calories as sugar were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease as those whose diets included less than 10% added sugar.” To help hearts stay healthy, it’s important to reduce sugar intake, eat lean protein sources and vegetables, and get physical activity in every day.

Here are some easy tips to reduce sugar this Valentine’s Day for a healthier heart!

  1. Make one of these tasty low-sugar recipes from Buzzfeed instead of buying candy or chocolates.
  2. Make a meal filled with lean protein and vegetables for a twist on a traditional dinner date night! Try one of these recipes from the American Heart Association.
  3. Go for a walk around town before or after your date night to get some exercise, or try a new workout class with your friends.

Try one of these fun spins on Valentine’s Day with your friends, family, or any of loved ones and enjoy the holiday in a healthier way!

 

Corliss J. Eating too much added sugar increases the risk of dying with heart disease. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/eating-too-much-added-sugar-increases-the-risk-of-dying-with-heart-disease-201402067021. Published November 30, 2016. Accessed February 13, 2018.

Meet the Author

Kate Egan

Kate Egan

Kate Egan is a new RDN working for Noom as a virtual health coach. She completed her dietetic intern and MBA at Dominican University in River Forest, IL.She graduated with a BS in Dietetics and a minor in Child and Family Studies from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 2015. In addition to blogging for CAND, she has also blogged for Student Scoop, the student blog portion of AND’s Food and Nutrition Magazine.
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