Did you know that World Hypertension Day is May 17th? While this day might not be quite as much fun as National Work Naked Day (February 5th – mark your calendars and plan your outfit!), it is a bit more important. The truth is, high blood pressure is a serious condition. It didn’t earn the nickname “the silent killer” for nothing.
While there are a myriad causes of high blood pressure, there are simple steps you can take to keep yours under control. And, I bet you know where I’m going with this…
Focus on Your Food Choices
So many modern day ailments can be alleviated by taking a close look at your diet. You’re never going to go wrong with loading up on vegetables and fruit. The more you fill your plate with nature’s medicine (my friendly nickname for seasonal produce), the better off your heart shall be! Also, run like the wind away from saturated and trans fats along with excess salt. Load up on plant-based protein and fiber.
Yes, I pretty much described our soups. But as you may know, Soupermom and I founded this with your health in mind. You can enjoy our soups with gusto, knowing you’re making a truly heart healthy choice.
If you’re interested in learning more about the diet specifically geared towards lowering blood pressure, check out the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan.
Get Moving
Working out and moving daily are great ways to keep your heart healthy. No, you don’t need to start training for a marathon (though if you want to, kudos to you!) You can easily get the movement you need everyday through bodyweight exercise at home, along with walking, running, jumping rope, and/or riding your bike. The important thing is to avoid sitting all day at your desk. To quote House of Pain (and to date myself in writing), “Jump around! Jump around! Jump up, jump up, and get down!”
Personally, I’m a big fan of hiking and rehydrating with a nice bottle of gazpacho!
If you’re looking for some exercises to try at home, check out our recent webinar recording with Personal Trainer Cameron Krug!
Reduce Stress
Yeah, easier said than done — we know! But, all the other steps lead into this one. After all, if you’re taking care of your body, that’s one less stressor to worry about. There are lots of great ways to handle stress. An easy one is to focus on your breathing. I often do this when flying. I’m a terrible flier. When stressed, I focus on slowly inhaling and exhaling. It truly helps calm me down.
Starting a gratitude journal, downloading a meditation app, or committing to regular hikes in nature are all steps you can take to reduce stress. Even something as simple as listening to your favorite song, or watching a show that always makes you laugh, can help reduce stress.
And if you ever need a laugh, you know where to find me!
Sara Polon (Soupergirl), Co-Founder and CEO, has the attention span of a gnat. Therefore, her post-college career path took many meandering twists and turns including working at an Internet start up, leading tours through the Middle East, and several years as a stand-up comic in New York.
In 2008, after reading Michael Pollan's book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, she founded Soupergirl along with her mom, Marilyn Polon. Sara is passionate about upending the industrialization of our food system. She believes deeply that consumers can make food choices that better themselves as well as the world. She drinks an average of five cups of coffee a day - usually black. In her spare time she enjoys biking, hiking, hanging out with her nieces, and drinking even more coffee.