The Heart Foundation is urging men to think more about their daily behaviour during this year’s Men’s Health Week. The annual week’s theme for 2023 is ‘healthy habits’, with a focus on encouraging men to adopt new, healthier habits to improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Heart Foundation Senior Food and Nutrition Advisor, Jemma O’Hanlon said Men’s Health Week continues to gain traction as men become more aware of their risk factors. “Men’s Health Week is a great opportunity to start and build on conversations about healthy living,” Ms O’Hanlon said.
“We always encourage small changes that can be adapted into people’s daily routines. Generally, that doesn’t mean giving up a favourite food entirely, but rather making small swaps on a daily basis.
“The same applies to exercise, which may begin with gentle walking routines that might lead to something more strenuous in the future. Initially, however it’s about making regular and sustainable changes.”
Here are some of the Heart Foundation’s tips for healthy eating and exercise:
• Boost your diet with potassium-rich fruit and vegetables to help lower blood pressure.
• Enjoy more healthy fats from salmon, avocado and nuts to help lower cholesterol.
• Snack on Greek yoghurt for the ultimate high protein boost, pre or post exercise.
• Beef up meat dishes with additional legumes or lentils (a nice little cost saver too).
• Try a hearty new recipe – download the Heart Foundation’s new Winter Comfort Recipe Book.
The Heart Foundation’s Personal Walking Plans are a free, online, six-week walking program developed by accredited exercise physiologists. Designed for people to reach the Australian physical activity guidelines by week six, the program includes supportive motivational messaging and instructional videos to help get you moving. More information can be found online at: https://walkingplans.heartfoundation.org.au/