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.
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.
Vegetables and fruit are packed with fibre, 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.
Swap refined starches for fibre-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.
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.
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 fibre.
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.
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.
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. 😉
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.
Your Health Matters. So Does Your Legal Protection.
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☎️ Call: 0860 765 223
✉️Email: info@solacebenefits.co.za
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