My jounrey to health and happiness

Since February is American heart month I thought I'd share some info I've been following especially since heart attacks can affect women more than men.
Well since the new year started I have been taking steps to get healthy and lose the inches. My goal is a size ten and it will be accomplished by this summer!

• Exercising more
• Cutting my calories 
• Eating more protein and fiber
• Drinking more water and green tea
• Vitamins Daily

In an effort to be more heart healthy and get in shape and because I am in the Medical field I did some research through the doctor's I know and the American heart association website

                            Staying Heart Healthy In Your 20s      

In your twenties, it can be easy to overlook the importance of living a heart-healthy lifestyle, and hard to stick to it even if you do make an effort to eat well and exercise. It's difficult to hit the gym or think about the right number of fruits and veggies after class or work. But the truth is, as you get older it usually gets harder to stay healthy.

So today is the day to start making small, daily choices that will help you live a long and healthy life. To make these choices easier, we've compiled your top heart health priorities and what you need to know now. It's never too early to start taking care of your health.

                            Heart Disease Prevention 

If you are like most women in their 20s, you are independent and focused on living in the moment. Health isn't typically top of mind. You make choices about jobs, relationships and school, and you believe there will be plenty of time later on in life to think about your health. Wrong. Heart disease can develop at any age, so it's crucial that you make good, health conscious decisions that will benefit you now and in the long run.

Your family history, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, weight, physical activity, exposure to tobacco smoke, if you have diabetes, and even the birth control measures you choose can have an affect on your risk of heart disease and stroke. Get the facts and hear real women's stories here.

 Eating a Heart Healthy Diet In Your 20s

I will be the first to admit my eating habits were terriable. I have a major addiction to starbucks that I have kicked and now stick to hot tea in the morning.

•  Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber - and they’re low in calories. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight and your blood pressure.
•  Unrefined whole-grain foods contain fiber that can help lower your blood cholesterol and help you feel full, which may help you manage your weight.
•  Eat fish at least twice a week. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, trout, and herring) may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease.
• Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
•  Select fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.
•  Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet. Aim to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Aim to eat less than 1500 milligrams of sodium per day.

Heart-Healthy Foods

1. Nuts
2. Beans
3. Seafood
4. Dark Chocolate/Cocoa
5. Canola Oil
6. Oatmeal
7. Tea
8. Bananas
9. Grape Juice/Red wine

Become Active in your 20's

You might already be going to the gym, walking regularly, or maintaining an exercise routine. If you're not – being young does not give you a free pass! Get off the couch and make a regular exercise routine part of your daily life. Find an activity you enjoy and have fun. You'll keep your heart healthy and avoid many of the risk factors for heart disease, as well as improve your fitness level, energy, and mental outlook. For women of any age, the AHA recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week but you don't have to get it all at once. If time is an issue, split it up in 10 minute intervals throughout the day

With all these tips and my determined attitude I have been making better choices in my life. I have a feeling that 2011 is gonna be my year. Finishing college and getting in shape. I can't wait to go to south Carolina next week!!Seeing my friend lauren and having an adventure. She's also introducing me to her and Scotty's best friend Matt!Hopefully I'll be able to use my brand new confidence to over come my shyness.Stayed tuned for pics of the new me!!!!

I am also on sparkpeople.com It's an awesome site find me on there!I was on the site back in 2008 and finally rejoined oh how i've missed it lol SOUTHERNDOLL83