Monday, August 21, 2023

Nurturing Heart Health on a Plant Based Diet


Dear Sisters,

Did you know that taking care of your heart is an act of self-love and empowerment? 

Keeping your heart healthy can go a long way toward enjoying years of good health. One of the easiest ways to get it on track is by making simple heart-healthy swaps in your meals. Here are some practical tips to help you hack your meals to make the most of your nutrition and put your heart and mind at ease.  💓💛💚

Be an advocate for your own health


Swap refined carbs with whole grains!


Whole grains contain fiber which lowers LDL cholesterol, commonly known as the bad type. Fiber takes longer for the body to digest, so you will feel full longer than you would if you eat refined carbs. Swap out white bread with whole wheat, choose oatmeal instead of corn flakes, and make brown rice your carb for balance in your meals. 

Bake, Broil, or Steam rather than fry!

You can try a simple swap: swap out fried foods for baked or broiled. You'll notice that baked and broiled foods will taste better than fried foods, so this isn't a hard swap to stick to! 

Steaming is a cooking method that involves using steam to cook food. It is considered one of the healthiest cooking techniques because it preserves the nutrients, flavors, and colors of the food while minimizing the use of added fats and oils.

Swap salt with spices!

Too much salt can cause issues. The spices in your spice rack are a far superior way to add flavor and nutrients without adding more salt. Make sure that spice blends do not contain sodium as they can cause blood pressure to rise to unhealthy levels. 

Choose nuts over chips!!

If it's something crunchy you seek for a snack, choose nuts instead of going for chips. Nuts give you more fiber as well as unsaturated fat. Measure out some snack-sized servings of nuts to keep in your pantry for easy access.  Even better, buy your nuts in a shell and eat them the old-fashioned way by cracking the shell first on your own.

Use avocado rather than mayo!

Avocados are a heart-healthy swap you can use on your sandwiches. Instead of mayonnaise, mash up an avocado and smear it onto your whole grain bread or wrap. It will add more flavor and nutrition while keeping your chosen bread from feeling too dry. 

Infuse water instead of drinking soda

Infusing water with lemon, cucumber, or herbs like mint gives it a delicious flavor and more nutrients. Choose to drink this over soda and other sugary drinks to keep your heart in good health. 

Recipe of the month – Steamed Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the broccoli by washing and cutting it into bite-sized florets.
  2. In a steamer basket or a steaming pot, bring water to a boil.
  3. Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket and cover with a lid. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
  4. While the broccoli is steaming, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.
  6. Once the broccoli is steamed, transfer it to a serving dish.
  7. Drizzle the lemon juice over the steamed broccoli.
  8. Pour the sautéed garlic over the broccoli.
  9. Sprinkle lemon zest over the top for added flavor.
  10. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  11. Gently toss the broccoli to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
  12. Serve the steamed broccoli as a healthy side dish or add it to salads, grain bowls, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious steamed broccoli with lemon and garlic.

Your wellbeing deserves all the attention it can get

By making these swaps, you'll be taking small steps to achieve big results with the health of your heart. 

Visit www.luvyourhealthylife.com today to unlock resources designed to empower you on your wellness path.  Let's walk this journey together towards a vibrant and more fulfilling life.

See you on the website!

Warmly,

Teri Sewell Huff

Culinary Nutrition Educator and

Founder of www.luvyourhealthylife.com

 

P.S. Spread the wellness love!  Share this invitation with your friends and family who are seeking a healthier and happier lifestyle!


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