Are you ready to use food to fight disease?
February is heart health month…
Let’s keep your heart healthy!
This year, I have decided to expand my knowledge of holistic cooking and traditional eastern practices. This is an exciting journey for me and I look froward to sharing my new knowledge.
Each month, I will share new recipes and tips to help you through your health journey. These recipes can be used for existing health conditions or for prevention of chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, auto-immunity, and digestive problems.
February is heart health month, and it is appropriately paired with the celebration of Valentine’s Day.
The emotion of love is connected with the heart. Many of us will give our loved ones special sugary treats this Valentine’s day, although sweet is not the best flavor to keep your heart healthy.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Five Elements that support optimal health of the body, the bitter flavor is better to support healthy heart function. Bitter flavored foods and herbs cool the body and drain excess heat.
If someone is suffering from heart troubles, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, they may be better off eating something bitter rather than something sweet.
Some bitter foods good for heart health include:
- Kale
- Parsley
- Endive
- Arugula
- Dandelion
- Citrus peel
- Cranberries
- Cocoa
Bitter foods may not scream romance, however food made with love is really what our bodies crave.
Try this dandelion & kale salad for Romantic Dinners:
Ingredients:
- 2 bunches dandelion leaves
- 10-12 organic kale leaves
- 1 large organic carrot
- 1 organic Granny Smith apple or organic pear
- 4 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Sea salt
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- Black pepper
Strip kale leaves from the stalks, chop dandelion leaves, carrot, and apple or pear. Place in a large bowl. Whisk oil and lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Pour on greens and enjoy. Great paired with fish, poultry or organic, grass fed beef, bison or buffalo.
As far as the sweetness someone may be craving… this is also absolutely essential for supporting the heart. But, it doesn’t have to come in the form of a box of chocolates.
You can share sweetness with anyone at any time of the year.
Here are a few sweet things to share with someone to support their heart:
- Hugs
- Hand holding
- Compassion
- Understanding
- Forgiveness
- Love
This doesn’t mean that you can’t give your social person a little bit of chocolate every now and again.
Just know that supporting the heart requires bitter flavored foods, combined with sweetness and loving intentions, plus a whole lot of hugs. When you hug someone you are consciously and physically connecting with them, heart to heart.
Don’t worry…. here’s a heart healthy chocolate dessert for you too…
Paleo Chocolate Mousse
February Special
Get 10% off at the Get Healthy Store
Use code: FRIENDSANDFAMILY10 – 10% off total order ongoing
New Customers will have to create an account to see all products.
**Remember that supplements should never replace or substitute for a heart healthy diet.
More Tips to keep your heart healthy
- Eat a colorful diet full of veggies & fruits
- Eat fatty fish 2-3 times weekly
- Incorporate olives and olive oil. Avoid cooking with olive oil–use on salads or add to food after cooking
- Avoid processed and fast foods
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep
- De-stress daily by implementing deep breathing, meditation or a walk in nature
- Don’t sweat the small stuff
- Be active
- Be thankful
- Love
Coming soon……..
- Cooking classes
- 21-day sugar detox
- Spring detox
Need one-on-one help? Get in touch!
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