Plant-Based Eating for Heart Health: 10 Tips for a Healthy Heart
February is Heart Month, a time to focus on small changes that can make a big impact on heart health. One of the easiest ways to care for your heart is through smart food choices, but that doesn’t mean giving up the meals you love. Swapping animal-based foods for plant-based alternatives, like new-meat, can help you enjoy delicious flavours while supporting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Heart health matters all year round so why wait for Heart Month to start making better choices? We’ve compiled 10 simple ways to support your heart, through food, movement, and daily habits.
10 Simple Ways to Support Heart Health Without Sacrificing Satisfaction
- Eat More Plant-Based Proteins
Reducing your intake of animal-based foods, especially processed meats, can support heart health. Swapping even a few meals per week with plant-based meat alternatives, like new-meat, can help lower cholesterol and reduce saturated fat intake while still delivering high-quality protein and great taste.
Try this delicious new-meat minced beef burrito!
- Choose Heart-Healthy Fats
Not all fats are bad! Swap butter for olive oil, snack on nuts and seeds, and choose avocado instead of creamy dressings to get heart-friendly unsaturated fats that help protect your heart.
- Increase Fibre Intake
A high-fibre diet helps lower cholesterol and keeps your heart in check. Whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables should be your go-to choices. Some plant-based meats, like new-meat, are rich in fibre, making them an easy way to add more to your meals.
- Keep an Eye on Salt
Too much salt can raise blood pressure, but that doesn’t mean bland food! Look for lower-salt options, use herbs and spices to add flavour, and check nutrition labels on packaged foods, including plant-based alternatives like new-meat, which is designed to balance taste and nutrition.
- Stay Active Every Day
Exercise keeps your heart strong! Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement a day. Even small actions, like taking the stairs or walking instead of driving short distances, can make a difference.
- Load Up on Colourful Veggies
A variety of fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support heart health. Aim for at least five servings a day to maximize benefits. Pair them with a balanced meal featuring Redefine Flank Steak or Pulled Beef for a heart-conscious plate.
Find the recipe of our Teriyaki Flank Steak here.
- 7. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on the heart and lowers the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other heart-related conditions. Focus on balanced, nutrient-rich meals and an active lifestyle to manage weight effectively.
- 8. Manage Stress
Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health by increasing blood pressure and inflammation. Simple habits like mindfulness practice, regular exercise and sufficient sleep can have a calming effect and protect your heart.
- 9. Make Sustainable Changes, Not Short-Term Fixes
The best heart-healthy habits are ones you can stick to. Focus on gradual, enjoyable changes like eating more plant-based meals, staying active, and making smart food swaps that still taste great. New-meat makes it easier than ever to enjoy your favourite dishes while keeping heart-health in mind.
- Drinking enough water is essential for overall health, including heart function. Proper hydration helps regulate blood pressure and keeps your body running smoothly. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Taking care of your heart doesn’t mean giving up your favourite meals. By making simple, healthy swaps, like reducing animal-based meals and adding more plant-based options, you can enjoy delicious food while supporting long-term heart health.
As Heart Month wraps up, challenge yourself to try just one or two of these changes and feel the difference all year long!
