By RMHP
Maybe we don’t often cook with heart health in mind, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to do just that.
Luckily, heart-healthy recipes can be delicious and romantic, and we’ve got you covered from breakfast to dinner and everything in between. This Valentine's Day, indulge your sweetheart with one or more of these treats.
No one wants to wake up early to cook breakfast on Valentine’s Day, so opt for something that’ll allow you to sleep in a bit longer. The mixture only needs to cook for two to four hours, so you can turn on the slow cooker and go back to bed – even better if you have a programmable slow cooker.
Why is this recipe heart healthy? Oats, flax seeds, walnuts, and almonds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help control cholesterol. Blueberries are also excellent for heart health due to their folate content which is believed to help keep blood vessels open for business.
This recipe from the American Heart Association makes a great light Valentine’s Day lunch. Avocados are a fruit your heart will love. They contain good, heart-healthy fats. Each 50 gram serving nets you 5 grams monounsaturated fat and 1 gram of polyunsaturated fat.
If you have the time, grilling the avocado and mango will up the flavor even more.
Fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which is why they’re so good for your heart. This easy salmon recipe tastes like it came from the kitchen of a fancy restaurant, so it’s bound to impress your Valentine.
This creamy, hearty soup makes for a perfect heart-warming dinner on Valentine’s Day.
Beans have lots of fiber and minerals without the saturated fat that some animal proteins contain. Experts think beans can play a big role in improving cholesterol, and they’ll also keep you feeling full for longer. Just be sure to save room for dessert!
These decadent cupcakes use fiber rich canned pumpkin instead of butter and oil, and you’ll hardly taste the difference. Other swaps include low-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, and light Cool Whip. You won’t feel guilty about indulging in a few of these delicious cupcakes, especially after a full day of satisfying heart-healthy meals.
For even more heart-healthy tips, check out this fun article from the American Heart Association. It’s a great reminder about the importance of non-food related things that are good for our hearts, like spending quality time with loved ones and getting outside for a pleasant stroll.