Retirement Planning Strategies - October 2023

STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART WITH THESE FOODS

Your cholesterol levels directly impact your heart health, and with heart disease being the leading cause of death in the U.S., we should all be working toward improving our cholesterol levels. Your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “bad” type that can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. The best way to control our LDL cholesterol is through the foods we eat. If you want to keep your cholesterol levels in check and your heart healthy, add more of these foods to your diet.

also crammed in these crunchy snacks. Nuts have shown significant heart-healthy benefits in numerous studies, including one which proved that just 2 ounces of nuts per day can decrease your LDL cholesterol. Greens Not every green is a health-boosting superfood, but dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and bok choy all contain lutein and carotenoids, antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease. These greens help

compact the bile acids in your body and remove cholesterol from your system.

Berries Delicious and versatile, berries are filled with fiber to help lower cholesterol. Berries also contain numerous antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can benefit your body in countless ways. All fruit is excellent for your health, but berries pack the punch needed to support healthy cholesterol levels. Legumes If you’re seeing a common trait here, you realize that soluble fiber is the key to making these foods beneficial for your health! Legumes, which include beans, peas, and lentils, all contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, protein, and minerals.

Oatmeal Oats contain a significant amount of

soluble fiber, which decreases cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Start the day right with warm oatmeal, overnight oats, or Cheerios, which are surprisingly made with oats, not wheat! Add fruit on top to boost your fiber intake even more. Nuts Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are rich in monounsaturated and other heart-healthy fats, but minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are

While these foods are incredible for your body, those seeking to lower their cholesterol levels should speak with their doctor first to discover the best course of action for protecting their heart. DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR HEALTH THIS SEASON From Balancing Feasts to Booking Your Doctor Visits

We’re entering the final quarter of 2023, and now is the perfect time to look back at New Year’s resolutions you made in January. While this might not have been an ideal year, it doesn’t mean we should throw all our health goals down the drain! With gravy-filled holidays on the way, it might seem like the natural route. But it’s never too late to right our wrongs, improve our health, and end the year strong! As you prepare for the cold months’ most beloved celebrations and holidays, be sure to consider the following: Don’t overdo it! Balance is critical when it comes to relishing the season’s treats. No one can tell you to avoid turkey stuffing and pumpkin pie! You should enjoy these delicious foods, to a healthy extent of course. Overindulging will just make you feel worse so incorporate nutritious foods on days surrounding your holiday family feasts. Instead of depriving yourself, focus on balancing your nutrition. Wake up early and get fresh air. The upcoming fall and winter months may be filled with clouds, but you should try your best to get fresh air.

On gloomy days, plan your walks and take advantage of the sun while it’s out. Light exercises like walking, stretching, and jogging along with the added benefits of vitamin D, can significantly impact your health. Take advantage of fall’s seasonal produce. Remember balance? Getting your fill of the season’s best fruits and vegetables is the best way to do that! Fall and winter offer ripe apples, pumpkins, Swiss chard, squash, and more. Ensure you meet your daily fruit and vegetable intake amid your festive feasting.

Prepare for benefits enrollment season and book your appointments. Lastly, don’t forget that benefits enrollment season will begin next month! This is the time to find the health, vision, and dental plans that fit your unique needs. Benefits enrollment season begins on Monday, Nov. 13, and continues until Monday, Dec. 11. This may be important for federal employees as it could help you secure benefits at a lower cost.

Practicing these tips may help get you back on track towards reaching your health goals!

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