A Healthy Heart : 8 Practical Steps to a Better Diet 🍎❤️ 

We all know that post-junk regret. The sluggish feeling after too many French fries and cooldrinks. 🍔🥤

But beyond discomfort lies a more serious concern.

Heart disease remains one of South Africa’s leading causes of death. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, cardiovascular disease accounts for 1 in 6 deaths nationally. High blood pressure affects more than one in three adults.

The good news? You don’t need a complete diet fix overnight.

Small, consistent changes create lasting protection. Here are 8 practical steps tailored for the South African kitchen.

🥗 1. Right-Size Your Plate

Portion control is powerful.

✔ Use a smaller plate
✔ Make half your plate vegetables
✔ Protein = palm size (80–100g)
✔ Starch = fist size
✔ Fats = thumb size

Full restaurant portions? Maybe share or pack half away immediately.

🌈 2. Eat the Rainbow

Vegetables and fruit are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

✔ Buy seasonal produce
✔ Add spinach, cabbage, or carrots to stews
✔ Keep fresh fruit visible
✔ Prep veggie snacks in advance

The more colour on your plate, the better for your arteries.

🌾 3. Choose Whole Grains

Swap refined starches for fiber-rich alternatives.

Instead of:
• White bread → 100% whole wheat
• White rice → Brown rice or barley
• Sugary cereal → Oats

Try traditional grains like sorghum for added antioxidants.

🫒 4. Be Fat-Smart

Not all fats are equal.

Limit:
• Fatty red meats
• Chicken skin
• Hard margarines
• Deep-fried foods

Choose:
• Olive, canola or sunflower oil
• Avocado 🥑
• Unsalted nuts
• Soft, trans-fat free spreads

Your arteries prefer unsaturated fats.

🐟 5. Power Up with Lean Protein

Aim for fish twice a week.

Affordable options include:
• Snoek
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Salmon

Legumes are also heart champions:
• Lentils
• Sugar beans
• Chickpeas

They’re cholesterol-free and high in fiber.

🧂 6. Cut the Salt

High blood pressure is a silent killer.

✔ Don’t add salt automatically
✔ Check labels for “low sodium”
✔ Use spices instead

Flavour ideas:
• Curry spices (dhania, turmeric)
• Cape Malay cinnamon & ginger
• Paprika, garlic & black pepper for braai rubs

Salt reduction alone can significantly lower blood pressure.

📅 7. Plan Your Plate

Healthy eating is easier when it’s planned.

✔ Create a weekly supper menu
✔ Cook extra for lunch
✔ Rotate proteins for variety

Planning prevents impulsive takeaways.

🍰 8. Follow the 80/20 Rule

Healthy eating is consistency, not perfection.

80% nutritious choices
20% mindful indulgence

Don’t forget to also limit added sugar in your diet.

So, you’re allowed to enjoy your milktart,  just don’t make it your whole diet. 😉

❤️ Protect More Than Just Your Heart

Taking care of your health is one of the most responsible decisions you can make for your family.

But what happens if illness strikes unexpectedly?

Planning legally and financially protects the people who depend on you.

With Legal&Tax you’re not alone

Your Health Matters. So Does Your Legal Protection.

💬 WhatsApp: +27 (71) 526 8527   (type “Hi” to start chatting) 
☎️ Call: 0860 587 587 
✉️ Email: info@legalandtax.co.za