Mindful Eating and Yoga: Diet and Exercise Tips to Maintain a Healthy Heart

Understanding the importance of heart health

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, shared: Before we delve into mindful eating and Yoga, it is essential to recognize why heart health is crucial. Your heart is a hard-working muscle that pumps blood and oxygen throughout your body. It is responsible for keeping you alive and well. However, several factors, such as inadequate diet, sedentary lifestyle and stress, can put the heart at risk.

Conscious eating: what is it?

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar revealed: Mindful eating is a practice that encourages you to pay full attention to the experience of eating, savoring each bite and being fully present in the moment. It’s more than just what you eat; It’s about how you eat. According to him, see how conscious eating can benefit your heart –

• Portion control: Mindful eating helps you become more aware of portion sizes, reducing the risk of overeating, which can lead to weight gain and heart problems.
• Best Food Choices: When you’re present while you eat, you’re more likely to choose heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins over processed, high-fat options.
• Eating with reduced stress: Mindful eating can help you break the stress-related eating cycle that often leads to unhealthy choices.
• Improved digestion: Eating mindfully can aid digestion, reducing discomfort associated with overeating or eating too quickly.

How to practice mindful eating

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar suggested a simple guide to practicing mindful eating –

1. Break: Before you start eating, take a break. Recognize the food in front of you and express gratitude for it.
2. Engage your senses: When eating, pay attention to the colors, textures and aromas of the food. Savor each bite, noticing the flavors and how they make you feel.
3. Chew slowly: Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. This not only helps digestion but also allows you to fully enjoy the flavor and texture of your meal.
4. Lower the devices: Avoid distractions like television or smartphones while eating. Just focus on the food and the act of eating.
5. Listen to your body: Pay attention to signs of hunger and satiety. Stop eating when you are full, not when your plate is empty.

Yoga Poses for Heart Health

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar recommended some simple Yoga poses that can benefit your heart –

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand with your feet together, shoulders relaxed and palms facing forward. This posture promotes good posture and body awareness.
2. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Lift your hips toward the ceiling. This pose strengthens your back and opens your chest.
3. Child’s Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward. This relaxing pose can reduce stress and calm the mind.
4. Corpse Pose (Savasana): Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and legs slightly apart. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Savasana is excellent for relaxation and stress reduction.

A heart-healthy lifestyle is achieved through the combination of mindful eating and Yoga. These simple yet powerful practices promote better food choices, reduced stress, improved blood circulation and improved overall fitness. By taking a holistic approach to heart health, you can take proactive steps to maintain a healthy heart and a happier, healthier life.

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