Take Care of Your Ticker this February
February is Heart Month, which means we’re not just focused on giving out Valentine’s Day cards and indulging in a few chocolates at this time of year. Heart Month is a time to pay a little extra attention to cardiovascular health – and how to lessen our risk of heart disease.
Eating a heart-healthy diet is a great way to start. So what exactly are heart-healthy foods? They're low in trans-fat, saturated fat, added sugar and sodium. Think fruits and vegetables! Dark green, deep orange, and yellow fruits and veggies are extra nutritious – things like spinach, carrots or peaches.
Check out some of our favourite heart-healthy recipes this month…
Grilled Veggie and Grain Platter
This simple veggie salad is great served, warm or cold – and only takes 35 minutes to prepare. Plus, you’re getting a healthy serving of veggies and grains, all in one! Visit heartandstroke.ca for the full recipe.
One-Skillet Trout with Green Beans and Almonds
This super easy, one-pan recipe will make dinner time easy, and extra healthy. Not a fan of trout? You can easily swap for a nice cut of salmon – both which are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Check out foodnetwork.ca for the full recipe.
Turkey Sliders with Avocado, Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese
These bite size turkey burgers might feel like an indulgence – but don’t worry, they’re both tasty – and heart conscious. Turkey is an excellent, lean choice for meat – and combined with the avocado, which is full of healthy fats – these little sliders are the perfect, filling meal. Visit heart.org for the full recipe.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once.
Make small, meaningful changes, and you’ll be on your way to living a heart-healthy lifestyle. It can be something as simple as choosing whole-grain bread instead of white bread or switching to one per cent milk instead of two.