The holidays are all about spending time with your family and being grateful for what you have. Amid all the revelry, however, don’t neglect  heart health, especially if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Fortunately, it’s possible to enjoy yourself while also making your health a priority.  

How Can I Have a Healthier Holiday Season?

1. Swap Out Unhealthy Ingredients

If you’re the cook in your family, consider making alterations to recipes. For example, you’ll lose none of the flavor or texture by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. As a superfood, Greek yogurt is packed with 23 grams of protein per cup. That’s 25% of your daily calcium allowance. It’s also low in fat and helps regulate cholesterol and blood pressure. 

2. Watch Your Sugar Intake

Sugary holiday treats—cakes, cookies, and desserts—may taste good, but they’re not recommended for people with high blood pressure. Instead, focus on eating fruits, which lack refined sugars while still satisfying your sweet tooth. 

3.  Exercise

No matter how hectic your holiday schedule, find time for regular exercise. Even brisk walking is beneficial to heart health. Some studies have shown that casually walking five and one-half miles per week can cut the risk of heart attack by as much as 32%. 

4. Reduce Stress

Along with the excitement of the holidays, many people also experience stress. Find healthy outlets to relieve stress and anxiety, such as meditating, yoga, or walking. Getting enough sleep each night keeps tension in check. Set an early bedtime if you know you must rise early the next day. 

For advice on how to preserve heart health with diet and exercise, consult your cardiologist. Premier Cardiology Consultants, serving residents in Dothan, Andalusia, Ozark, and Enterprise, AL, diagnoses and treats heart issues using state-of-the-art technology. They’re equipped to handle a wide range of heart issues, including heart attacks, hypertension, thrombosis, and vascular disease. To learn more about their heart disease treatments, visit their website. You can also call (334) 699-6396 to schedule an appointment.