Face it, for most of us the holidays can be stressful and tiring. In addition to the parties and extra cooking, there's all that shopping to complete. We all know that stress isn't good for our hearts, but believe it or not, there are ways you can plan your shopping excursions that will actually benefit the health of your heart. Here are a few tips:
- Organize your trip: Plan where you need to go and what you need to do so that you're spending the least amount of time in traffic and doubling back. By writing down your most efficient route and making a "don't forget" list, you can avoid the stress of retracing your steps and forgetting key items.
- Park your car a distance from the store or mall entrance: Walking is good for you and your heart. If you're shopping after dark, always be mindful of your surroundings and park in a well-lighted area.
- Wear a pedometer: You might be surprised how far you travel on foot during your shopping excursions, and your state of mind (i.e., stress level) will benefit from the reward of seeing what you've accomplished.
- Pack a heart healthy snack: Avoid the temptation of the quick and greasy, fat-and-calorie laden food options at the mall. Take along an apple, some fresh nuts, baked chips, low-salt pretzels and other healthy snacks. Don't forget to include a bottle of water. Those soft drinks or smoothies are high in sugar and can cancel out an afternoon of walking.
- Take a break during your shopping spree: If you plan to be gone for several hours, remember to give yourself a break. Relax, sit down, people-watch, and enjoy one of your healthy snacks.
- Shop for heart healthy gifts: There are lots of heart healthy gift options from which to choose. In fact, we've included some suggestions below.
Heart Healthy Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List!
Keeping the health of your heart and the hearts of your loved ones in mind during the holidays is easy. There are many gift options in all price ranges. And won't it be wonderful to know that your special gift will say, "Happy, Heart Healthy, Holidays!"
Gifts to keep a heart in shape all year long…
- Fitness center membership
- Jump rope
- Hand weights
- Sneakers (gym shoes)
- Skates (roller or inline)
- Exercise ball
- Treadmill
- Exercise bike
- Stationary frame for your bicycle
- Bicycle
- Pedometer
- Swimming lessons
- Indoor water aerobics class
- Karate lessons
- Gift card to sporting goods store
- Workout/exercise clothes
- Mini trampoline
- Gift certificate for one session with a personal trainer
- Exercise DVDs
- Wii Sports
Gifts to nourish the health of your heart…
- Gift certificate for a heart healthy cooking class
- Red wine - merlot or cabernet
- Heart healthy food basket - fresh fruits, high fiber/low fat baked goods, baked chips and heart healthy dips
- Healthy cooking oil samples: olive oil, rosemary olive oil, sunflower oil
- Nuts: unsalted fresh pecans, almonds, walnuts, filberts, sunflower seeds
- Baking gift basket: heart healthy bread or muffin recipe with required ingredients such as whole wheat flower, wheat germ, oats, nuts, raisins, dried cherries, etc.
More heart healthy gift ideas…
- Blood pressure cuff or monitor
- Registration for a CPR class
- Pill organizer
- Massage
- Heart rate monitor
- HeartSaver CT scan
- Subscription to a fitness, nutrition, lifestyle, or healthy cooking magazine