While Valentine's Day on February 14 celebrates love, February itself is American Heart Month. Show the love by serving heart healthy meals on Cupid's Day rather than succumbing to the temptation of fatty foods and excessive candy.
The holiday of hearts and flowers, Valentine's Day is on February 14. American Heart month is the entire month of February. Instead of giving in to the temptation of fast food deals, decadent platters and sugary candy boxes, serve heart healthy meals to show love.
Heart healthy cuisine can be served up at home or choose carefully when dining out. Houston News reports Chef Tim Saddler began his cooking career in the U.S. Navy then started a catering company in 1998. In 2007, Tim & Co. Catering changed the company focus to cooking classes.
Saddler said, “Healthy cooking is a lifestyle change, not a diet.” He stated once people start cooking healthy meals, their taste buds change and they don't want to go back to the old ways of cooking. He continued, “My challenge was to enjoy the foods you like, but make them healthier through the cooking technique and modification.” Cooking healthy on a budget is also possible.
The American Heart Association revealed where Americans eat has a dramatic effects on what and how much they consume. They tend to consume more sodium, fat and calories at fast-food restaurants. Also, dining out often means eating meals with less whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
When dining out on Valentine's Day, skip the fatty and fried selections. Opt for grilled chicken or fish, a salad and fruit cup for dessert. On the side, order vegetables or whole grain rice or pasta. These tasty favorites are also easily made at home and served with romantic candlelight.
A serving of meat should not be larger than a deck of cards. For those dining out, simply eat that much and have the rest packaged to take home and enjoy during another dinner. It keeps the Valentine's Day celebration going longer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed the percent of adults age 20 and over who are obese is 33.9 percent. The percentage of adults age 20 years and over who are overweight is 34.4 percent. Being obese or overweight leads to heart problems that could be fatal.
The American Heart Association states when dining out, choose meals that are low in fats, saturated fats and cholesterol. Ask of the restaurant will prepare your food to order. Skip French fries and super size meals at fast food restaurants and chains. Select salads and grilled meats.
When cooking at home, choose lean meats and low-fat dairy. Rather than frying, try grilling, broiling, baking or steaming foods. Avoid salty foods and use flavorful seasonings instead. Fresh herbs are the best.
The temptation of sugary candy boxes often presents itself. Buy smaller boxes of chocolate rather than the jumbo size ones. Limit chocolate intake to one or two per day. The box of candy will last longer, keeping the memory of Valentine's Day alive. It is also a more heart-healthy choice than downing an entire box of candy in one day. Consider sweet alternatives such as strawberries and raspberries.
The Miami Herald reports Dr. William O'Neill, cardiology professor and executive dean for research and clinical affairs at the University of Miami School of Medicine said over-consumption of sugar acts as a “poison for the heart.”
Concoct a healthy love potion for Valentine's Day or choose one carefully when dining out. There are an array of heart-healthy, tasty recipes at the American Heart Association website. Avoid the unnecessary poisons for a more heart-healthy holiday and keep lifestyle changes going through American Heart Month and beyond.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
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