Help your family develop lifestyle habits that will keep your hearts healthy well into the future. Make it your goal to answer YES to the following questions:
Do you and your family make heart-healthy choices from every food group?
The foundation of a healthy diet is nutrient-rich foods. The best way to build a heart-healthy diet at any age is to choose a variety of nutritious foods every day. Smart choices include:
- Vibrant-colored fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
- Foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
For more tips, see Escape to the Mediterranean.
Do you try to balance food with physical activity?
When you balance calories from food with daily activity, you are more likely to achieve and maintain a healthy weight over time. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active are key for promoting healthy hearts and blood flow, which is important for overall well-being. Help your kids adopt good physical activity habits at an early age by getting moving as a family.
For more tips, see Get Your Heart Pumping.
Do you make an effort to get the most nutrition out of your calories?
Starting when your kids are young, it’s important to make calories count. This means that most of the foods your family eats should be nutrient-rich. Every person has a specific number of calories needed to maintain a healthy body, which is determined by age, gender, and activity level. To learn how many calories are right for you and your family members and the recommended food group servings for each calorie level, go to www.mypyramid.gov and click on "MyPyramid Plan."
For more tips, see Fuel Healthy Hearts and Growing Bodies.
