Don’t Be Salty on Valentine’s Day!

For Valentine’s Day, are you planning on cooking your loved one a fabulous meal, or surprising them with dinner out at their favorite restaurant? If so, make your meal an even healthier Valentine’s gift by choosing low-sodium ingredients and entrees. Why does lower-sodium matter? High-sodium diets contribute to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. In its February edition of Vital … Continue reading Don’t Be Salty on Valentine’s Day!

Try These Heart-Healthy Snacks

For many of us, work and family life can increase our stress levels.  When stressed, we tend to indulge in unhealthy snacks; grabbing for the next bag of high-calorie potato chips and soft drink. But, before you cave-in to those unhealthy snack urges, here’s a list of healthy snacks worth munching on at any time of the day: Raisins – rich in antioxidants that are … Continue reading Try These Heart-Healthy Snacks

The Diet for Healthy Heart and Long Life

Are you confused about all the information on healthy diets and not sure which diet is right for you? And, are you looking for a healthy diet that is flexible and easy to follow? Well, take another look at the Mediterranean Diet. It is highly recommended, by the USDA, as one of the healthiest diets for adults. Let’s take a look at why the Mediterranean … Continue reading The Diet for Healthy Heart and Long Life

To Thy Heart Be True

In February, why not refocus your attention on your heart and give it all the love it deserves.  Especially since it loves you daily by pumping blood and oxygen throughout your body. Show your heart some love by following these simple steps: Eat less sodium – most Americans consume too much sodium; most of which comes from processed and restaurant foods. Current dietary guidelines recommend … Continue reading To Thy Heart Be True

Take Heart!

Since February marks the observance of national heart month and the celebration of Valentine’s Day, I thought it only fitting to devote all of my posts in February on foods, tips, news, and advice for maintaining heart health. Each of my posts will focus on simple steps you can take to better the overall heart health of you and your loved ones. As one of … Continue reading Take Heart!

What Can Paula Deen Teach Us?

“The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings. Let food be your medicine.” – Hippocrates Recently, in the news, Paula Deen revealed that for the last three years she’s suffered from Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. Well, to many, including me, Deen’s illness is no surprise. The queen of southern cuisine has made a fortune from … Continue reading What Can Paula Deen Teach Us?

Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Instead of serving store-bought snacks high in calories, fat, and sodium, try preparing healthier snacks at your Super Bowl party. Check out the healthy Super Bowl recipes below from EatingWell. You’re sure to score winning points with your guests! (photo courtesy of EatingWell.com) Southwestern Layered Bean Dip (photo courtesy of EatingWell.com) Boneless Buffalo Wings (photo courtesy of EatingWell.com) Creamy Spinach Dip (photo courtesy of EatingWell.com) … Continue reading Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Folic Acid Awareness Week – January 8 – 14

This week will bring national attention to folic acid: a necessary vitamin for the prevention of birth defects. Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can greatly reduce the risk of birth defects, including spina bifada, in a baby’s brain and spinal cord . The Centers for Disease Control recommends that child-bearing women need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Women can get … Continue reading Folic Acid Awareness Week – January 8 – 14

Healthy Start to the New Year

My new year is off to a healthy start! I prepared my first salad of 2012. I broke my Sunday tradition of preparing a time-consuming meal and instead prepared a simple salad — took all of about 25 minutes from start to finish. I decided to top my salad with baked salmon. Since fresh salmon was a little costly at my neighborhood grocer, I elected … Continue reading Healthy Start to the New Year