14 Feb Heart Healthy Snacks
February marks the month of American Heart Health, and to honor that, we have decided to provide a few heart healthy snacks to brighten your day. Eating heart healthy shouldn’t happen after you start having problems with your health. Just by paying attention to little things like fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats while lowering consumption of sodium, saturated and trans fats, you are on your way to a very healthy heart.
To help you get started, we have a few recipes your heart and your taste buds will definitely appreciate.
Veggies and Hummus – Although store-bought hummus is awesome, we like knowing exactly what goes into our food. By making your own hummus, you can control flavors and portions. Plus, it is cheaper.
Photo: Food Network
Apples and Peanut Butter – This snack is simply perfection. Whether you are running out the door or heading to the gym, apples and peanut butter make a delightful heart healthy snack. The kiddos will love it.
Photo: Whole Foods Market
Avocado with Black Pepper and Lime – Delicious and easy, this is a great snack. Just cut the avocado then squeeze with lime and sprinkle with black pepper. (If you add salt, be sparing. Remember too much sodium isn’t good for your heart.)
Photo: Sierra Harvest
Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds– Nut are a great way to get protein and healthy fats, both essential to heart health. Try mixing it up. Take a few different nuts and a small portion of dried fruits to make a great trail mix.
Photo: Babble
Baked Sweet Potato Fries– Who said you have to give up fries when you start eating healthy? Well, whoever said it was dead wrong. We love these babies! (P.S. go easy on that sauce.)
Photo: Pioneer Woman
Yogurt and Berries– YUM! Just take some Greek yogurt, berries, and granola then mix for a perfect parfait. Easy as pie, and just as good, too.
Photo: Food Network
Raisins– While this might not seem like the best choice for heart healthy snacking, scientists have actually linked raisins to healthier gums, and healthier gums can lead to a healthier heart. Break out those tiny boxes of dried grapes and munch away!
Photo: Eating Well
Crispy Chickpeas– While not a norm amongst the snackers out there, chickpeas are a great snack food. They make a healthier substitute for chips (ahem, which are so, so bad for you).
Photo: Natural Chow
Green Tea– We could sing songs about the many benefits of green tea, but we will spare you our *totally amazing* singing voices. Green tea is a superfood. There is a long list of the great things this little drink does. Plus, it tastes so good. We’ll even let you add a little honey.
Photo: Women’s Health Magazine
Dark Chocolate– Last, but definitely not least, comes the answer to all of life’s problems: Chocolate. Specifically dark chocolate. Studies have shown that a little bit here and there can actually do the body some good. Joy, sweet joy.
Photo: Cooking Light
We hope these recipes inspire great snacking in you! For more information or to ask questions, please contact us at 662-282-4949.
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