Christmas meals and your heart
At this time of year and due to the climate of family meals and exchange of gifts, many people with heart disease decide to make an exception in their care. However, according to a study, it is precisely in this period and during the summer holidays when the risk of suffering a myocardial infarction increases among the population. For this reason, it is necessary to take precautions to face these dates so as not to ruin the efforts made throughout the year.
Sit at the table 5 times a day
Health professionals recommend that we try to follow the same order as the rest of the year to eat: breakfast, lunch, lunch, snack and dinner. In this way, we will not alter the intake guidelines that our body already has internalized and we will be able to enjoy these dates in a healthy way. Also, if you want to prepare your body for a great meal, you can have a snack of nuts before the feast to alert your body.
Plan to ensure your cardiovascular health
It is very common to go to bars and restaurants with our family and friends to spend time together on these dates. If the day and time of that meal have already been closed for a long time, plan your menu and think about those foods that can best suit your heart.
Measure and good eating habits
Once we start eating, we must avoid some foods so as not to have dislikes:
- Meals with a lot of salt.
- Sugar in desserts.
- Red meat.
- Alcohol.
- Foods with a lot of fat.
Obviously, if you want to try any of these foods or drink a little you can also. However, the key is in the measure and in knowing your state of health. If you have any questions about what you can or cannot consume, consult your doctor.
How can I help my heart after eating?
On these special dates when you overeat, it is necessary to help your heart with sport. Therefore, it is a good idea to walk at a brisk pace through the natural areas of your municipality or even go for a bike ride. This physical activity will also allow you to arrive a little hungry to the next meal and see how they have placed the Christmas decorations in your neighborhood.
Don’t obsess over weight
Christmas is a period of time conducive to gaining weight due to the celebrations, gatherings of friends and the weather that invites you to be at home. Therefore, it is not necessary that you go to the scale every so often to check your weight. You will benefit your body more if at the time of cooking you do not do it in large quantities, thus you will save having a refrigerator full of leftovers.
The cold can affect your heart
The cold can influence the creation of clots that in some cases can compress an artery in the heart. Therefore, if you suffer from a heart ailment, it is recommended that every time you leave the house you wrap yourself well and avoid the rush since stress is also bad for this organ. The stress of these dates combined with the rush to do everything can lead to a heart attack.