Diet

There is lots of different information out there in regards to diet. There are also many different types of diet you can choose from and quite quickly it can all become overwhelming and confusing.

Firstly, it is important not to get diet and dieting confused. Dieting, in essence, is a form of starvation in order to lose body fat. This is not what I am referring to when I talk about your diet. Your diet is the type of food which you commonly eat. So, having a healthy diet is essential.

Secondly, there is no such thing as the best diet for you. There are a number of different diets you may have heard of or have been told about during your recovery. These may include the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, vegetarian diet, vegan diet or just simply eating a healthier diet than you were. The truth is, any one of these diets are great for your recovery and to prevent any further heart issues and they are all a form of healthy eating. You just need to choose the one which you feel is the right choice for you. If you like meat, don’t choose the vegetarian or vegan diet. If you have high blood pressure, maybe opt for the DASH diet. I know this sounds simple, but people tend to tell you about the diet which worked best for them. This does not mean it will suit you best. Spend some time having a look into all the different diets which I have gone through below and choose one you think suits you best and will fit into your lifestyle.

The next point I wanted to talk about is the importance of a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet will help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of diabetes, reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol. These are 4 of the risk factors that we I spoke about earlier, just from improving the foods you eat. It will also help protect your heart from further problems. Unfortunately, it is not just about cutting down on the bad foods its about eating a wide variety of foods in the right amount to give your body what it requires. It is unrealistic to expect you to cut out bad foods or foods you enjoy. In order to maintain your healthy diet, it is important that you treat yourself every now and again, at the end of the day we’re all human right?

DASH Diet

DASH Diet

The Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) diet was developed in response to rising incidences of high blood pressure. It is recommended by the US government and is similar to the Canadian recommendations. Research has shown it to reduce blood pressure and...

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The Eatwell Guide

The Eatwell Guide

Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the Eatwell guide is the governments healthy eating advice. You may well have seen a picture of this before. It is a plate set out with the different foods you need for a healthy, balanced diet and how much of each group you should...

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Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet

Incorporates the traditional healthy living habits of people living in countries which border the Mediterranean sea including France, Greece, Italy and Spain. The diet tends to be high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, fish and unsaturated fats. It tends to be...

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Running

Running

Another great form of aerobic exercise counting towards your 150 minutes a week of moderate activity. Running isn’t for everyone but for those of you who are keen runners, it is a great way to regain, maintain and develop cardiovascular fitness. This doesn’t have to...

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Badminton

Badminton

Badminton is an aerobic activity and will count towards your 150 minutes of moderate activity each week and will help strengthen your heart. Surprisingly, more than one million people in Britain regularly participate in badminton, it is a non-contact sport, suitable...

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Cycling

Cycling

According the British Medical Association, cycling 20 miles each week reduces the potential to develop heart disease by 50%. Cycling is another good form of exercise which helps increase stamina, cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and mental health. This does not...

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Walking

Walking

Free exercise available to anyone at any time. It can be overlooked as a form of exercise but brisk walking can help build stamina, burn calories and make your heart healthier. As well as the physical benefits of walking, there are plenty of mental benefits also....

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Weight Training

Weight Training

Current research is showing that weight training is a safe and effective method of training for people with and without heart problems. It has been shown to increase the strength of bones, muscles and connective tissues. It lowers the risk of injuries, improves...

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Yoga

Yoga

Yoga is shown to improve stress, anxiety and depression. While it does not count towards your weekly exercise total (as it is not classed an aerobic activity) it is recommended as an additional activity. A good way to involve yoga in your weekly routine would be to...

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Swimming

Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise to develop strong muscles whilst helping to lose weight and is one of the few activities that works your whole body.  One of the reasons swimming is so great is because it will give us a good workout without putting any impact on your...

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Weight Loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Your Heart

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk Factors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Cariovascular Disease?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medication

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journey through Cardiac Rehab