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Why the RVing Lifestyle is
HEART HEALTHY
Our hearts are our life-force, more or less, both emotionally and physically. It’s important to keep
our hearts in tip-top shape so that we can be around those we love and do the things we love to do for as long as we can. It seems fitting that we discuss the role RVing plays in a healthy lifestyle,
as well as how it promotes better cardiovascular health.
The RV lifestyle
is inherently an
active lifestyle.
According to the CDC, “Active people generally live longer and are at less risk for serious health problems like heart disease...” For folks with chronic disease, physical activity can help them to better manage those conditions and reduce related complications. In the short-term, even moderate physical activity has various benefits, including
improved quality of sleep, less anxiety, and reduced blood pressure. The long- term benefits of an active lifestyle include reduced risk of dementia and depression, lowers risk of heart disease and several cancers, reduces weight gain, improves bone health, and improves balance and coordination. RVers are generally an active crowd, drawn to the outdoors
and exploring it, whether it’s hiking, bird watching, kayaking, swimming, or snowshoeing. There’s less time sitting, more time experiencing – and moving our bodies in the process.
RV camping – and
life – involves more
home cooking.
A heart-healthy diet is important for cardiovascular health. What we eat matters. Once you get the hang of campsite cooking, it’s easy to whip up delicious, healthy meals over an open
fire, in a crockpot, or on a grill. Mayo Clinic offers these guidelines for such
a diet: control your portion size, eat
more fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains over refined or processed grain sources, limit saturated fat and avoid trans fat, choose low-fat protein sources, and reduce sodium. Don’t forget to treat yourself occasionally; it’s all
about balance.
Something that helps RVers budget, whether they are full-timers or weekend vacationers, is preplanning meals.
When you create daily menus, you can make sure you and your family get the appropriate nutrients to keep going, add variety, and reduce indulgent behavior. Preplanning can also mean choosing
to utilize more fresh food sources, such as from the local farmers market. Seek out local produce when you can, and what’s available will change throughout the season. There’s nothing better than Michigan sweet corn – but easy on
the butter!
58 • 2023 MICHIGAN RV & CAMPGROUNDS
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