Nutrition: Heart healthy / Super Bowl snacks

Heart Healthy

It’s always a good time to take care of your heart, and February is no exception. In fact, February is National Heart Month! Though genetics do play a role in heart health, daily habits and choices can make a difference in your health.

This month give your heart a little extra love to start the year off strong. Try these three big-hitting tips to get started!

  • Stress less. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be hard to find peace. Overworking and under sleeping are two common stressors that many Americans endure. While stress in short bursts can be positive, chronic, daily stress is harmful to your cardiovascular health.
  • Plant power. While going full vegetarian is not necessary, research shows the benefits to heart health of adding more plant foods into our diets. Plants contain healthy, unsaturated fats, loads of fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Furthermore, the potassium content in plant foods can help to reduce blood pressure because potassium lessens the effects of sodium. Aim for foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, cantaloupe, dark leafy greens, potatoes and prunes.
  • Cut the salt and add some spice. Overdoing it with salt can increase blood pressure. Some common places for increased sodium are from restaurants, packaged foods, frozen meals and sauces. In the grocery store, compare products! A quick glance at Sodium in the nutrition label is easy. Aim for a percent daily value that’s below 30% per serving! Also, to increase flavor without salt, try reaching for fresh, dried or ground herbs and spices instead of the saltshaker.

If you have concerns about your heart health, the PacMed Cardiology department is here to help. To make an appointment, use our online appointment tool or call 206.505.1300.

Fast, easy, healthy Super Bowl snacks!

Having a Super Bowl party on February 2? Great! Ready for all those greasy chips, rich dips, salty meats and too-sweet nibbles? Not so much?! We can help.

No need to break all your 2020 resolutions in one afternoon. Try these enticing, easy recipes for a healthy, victorious party scene.

Pork Satay from Taste of Home.
Thin, skewered slices of pork in a lightly peanut–Thai seasoning.

Healthy Guacamole with Peas from Eating Bird Food.
Secret ingredient? Frozen peas. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Skins from Pinch of Yum.
You know these are going to taste good, even before you see the sweet potatoes, spinach, and chickpeas in the recipe!

Garlic Bean Dip from Taste of Home.
Mm, garlic. What more do we need to say? Maybe, “sour-cream-free”?

Light Crock Pot Buffalo Turkey Meatballs from The Creative Bite.
Crockpot will travel! At least these delectable meatballs will.