We sing, write, dream, and obsess over matters of the heart. And when you think about it, what matters most are matters of the heart. Right now, I want you to take a moment and sense yours! Place your hand on your chest, take a deep breath and feel it beat. Over and over, minute by minute, second by second your heart beats in a perfect rhythm that keeps you alive.Heart Healthy Foods | KristenBentson.com

One of my favorite things about the body is how it does its thing (my heart beats and my lungs expand and my eyes blink) without me needing to think, “hey heart beat, breathe, blink.” But, just because I don’t need to tell my body to do what it needs to do to keep me alive, I do need to spend a few minutes every day thinking about what I can do to best help my heart and my lungs and my eyes to get what they need (hello nutrients) so they can do their thing without a hitch.

So today, let’s focus on matters of the heart. I’ve got my top 5 Heartthrobs! Here are the best of the best foods you need to be eating to take care of your ticker.

Cocoa! Okay now, don’t fool yourself. Eating a chocolate bar (even if it’s um “dark”) isn’t going to cut it when it comes to heart health. So, while yes, there are antioxidants and flavanoids in that candy bar, there’s also saturated fat and sugar. So skip the chocolate candy, cookies and cake and go for the real deal. Cocoa rocks.

Strawberries! Those anthocyanins, micronutrients, and fiber found in berries can lower that bad cholesterol and raise the good. Go Red!!!

Honey! Dark raw honey is full of antioxidants and can help you prevent vascular plaques. Sweet!

Yogurt! While we often associate yogurt with healthy digestion, those good bacteria found in this cultured treat might just prevent a heart attack.

Brown Rice!  This high fiber food is full of healthy whole grains that can impact your blood pressure and blood sugar.

Want to try all these foods together in one little bowl? Let’s do it. It’s time for a Cocoa, Strawberry, Honey and Crispy Brown Rice Parfait!! Get the Recipe. YUMM.

I would love to work with you one-on-one and get you on the heart healthy track. Learn what to, when to, and how to eat with my YouAnew Lifestyle Nutrition Program.

 

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