Filipino holidays are truly special. They offer a cherished opportunity to step away from our busy lives, come together with loved ones, and create new memories over delicious food. These moments allow us to recharge and refuel our hearts. However, it's often in these happiest of times that we tend to let our guard down. If we're not careful, our hearts can quickly become stressed, turning festive treats into potential threats. That's why being extra mindful is crucial.
Here are a few things you can do to keep your heart happy and healthy before, during, and after the Christmas and New Year festivities:
Pinoys are renowned for serving some of the best Christmas and Bagong Taon (New Year) food. Favorites like Liempo, Pata, Barbecue, Spaghetti, Ham, Pancit, and Lechon are staples of our Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) spread. Many of these dishes are affectionately, or sometimes warningly, referred to as "Putok Batok" – a term suggesting their richness could lead to high blood pressure. What's not to love about their deliciousness? But what do they actually do to our bodies?
A significant amount of the food mentioned above contains saturated fat. These fats are also commonly found in fast food and heavily processed items. Consuming too much saturated fat can cause your LDL (Bad Cholesterol) levels to skyrocket. This significantly increases your likelihood of developing heart disease and experiencing a stroke.
One effective way to navigate this is to seek healthier ways to prepare these classic Filipino favorites. For example:
These simple tweaks can go a long way in supporting your heart health without sacrificing the festive spirit.
For many, completely limiting food intake during the holidays simply doesn't work. It's the holidays, after all! Starving yourself while everyone else enjoys mouthwatering meals can feel like torture.
If strict restraint isn't your style, another trick to keep your heart healthy is by mixing your "unhealthy" food with some healthy options. This is all about portion control and a smart approach to your Christmas food combinations.
These mindful combinations allow you to savor the flavors you love while still giving your body the nutrients it needs.
While diet alone can work wonders, pairing it with regular exercise can have a monumental impact on your heart health! Simple activities like swimming, cycling, and running are excellent choices. However, if you have a pre-existing heart condition, it is always best to consult your doctor to determine which exercises are safest and most beneficial for you.
For some, simply walking regularly can be enough to keep their heart in line. If you're looking for more, aerobic exercises and yoga are also ideal. They help strengthen your muscles, which in turn provides additional support to your cardiovascular system.
When all is said and done, your mental and emotional health can greatly impact your physical well-being. The holidays offer a perfect opportunity to relax. Whether you're staying home or venturing out, the best thing you can do for your heart this season is to pause and give yourself a much-needed break.
Many believe that resting equates to being unproductive. On the contrary, resting provides valuable time to evaluate, reflect, and energize yourself for what's to come. It grants you the freedom to think about what's truly best for you while engaging in activities you enjoy. So, if your work schedule keeps you busy through Christmas or New Year, remember to find small pockets of time for yourself to just let loose. Stress forces your heart to work harder, while eliminating stress helps it work more efficiently.
Celebrating the holiday season responsibly for your heart and overall health doesn't mean sacrificing everything you love. It's about adjusting and finding the right balance between what you desire and what your body needs. These four tips—Recipes, Restraint, Reflex, and Relax—should keep you on the right track so you can start the next year stronger and better! Happy Holidays everyone!
Concerned about your heart health? Call SPC Med now to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist! If you’re experiencing any tightness in your chest or sensations in your body that require urgent attention, we strongly suggest rushing to our emergency room for immediate treatment.
For more information, please contact the hospital at +63493101100 or email inquiry@spcmc.com.ph.
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