Heart Healthy Breakfast:
Start your day off by getting a head start on fruits and vegetables. Add asparagus to an omelet or blueberries to your oatmeal. The best breakfast options will include plenty of protein, fiber, and a healthy amount of fat to keep your energy levels stable throughout the morning.Heart Healthy Lunch:
Don’t skip this important meal to keep your concentration and energy high into the afternoon. Taking the time to prep protein and vegetables early in the week will give you grab and go options that won’t leave you raiding the vending machine before your 1:00 meeting. From salmon lettuce wraps to veggie stuffed avocados, heart healthy lunches can be convenient and delicious. And don’t forget about your kids. Here are our simple tips for keeping their lunches healthy!Heart Healthy Dinner:
Heart Healthy dinners don’t mean you’re going to be hungry. What could be more satisfying than meat and potatoes or even a vegetarian stuffed potato for an easy and affordable weeknight meal? Find some inspiration for making your spuds healthy and consider subbing sweet potatoes once a week or more to load up on nutrients and variety.Heart Healthy Snacks:
While snacking can get a bad rap, it’s also a great way to bring in heart healthy superfoods and load up on an extra serving of fruits or vegetables. Keep a bag of low sodium almonds in your desk at work. Grab and go fruits and vegetables are natural sources of energy when your schedule is busy or you need a post-workout pick me up. Combine a healthy carbohydrate with protein and fiber for the biggest nutritional punch. Low fat cottage cheese or hummus with vegetables, string cheese and an apple, almond butter and a banana, or a nutrition packed smoothie containing your favorite superfood are all convenient options. Remember that eating heart healthy doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. Indulging in a favorite meal or treat is part of life. If your overall diet is healthy, these indulgences won’t take you off track. Need help getting started? Find one area that you can improve (a healthy breakfast or preparing lunches are good ones) and start with that. Remember to share your successes on Facebook with the American Heart Association’s #heartmonth campaign!Image
About the writer: Joli Guenther is a certified personal trainer, yoga instructor and clinical social worker practicing in and around Madison, Wisconsin. Learn more about Joli.