Healthy Heart Hacks

Annie smiled as she heard the two-spotted owls in the Palo Verde tree hooting in preparation for the night’s hunt. She stepped onto the patio and looked up just in time to see the first one followed by the other flying past the first full moon of the new year.

LJ glanced up from his meal prep and quietly called, “checking out Mr. and Mrs. Owl again?”

Annie nodded as she came back into the house, “they are so beautiful. I am happy they live in our backyard; they help keep the rodent population away from our fruit and veggie gardens. Speaking of food, whatcha cooking? It smells so good.”

“Thanks, I want us to be strong throughout our lives, so from now on, I am only cooking heart-healthy meals,” LJ said. “A poor diet causes bad cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity, and stress, all leading to heart disease.” He continued, “on the other hand, a daily healthy diet leading to longevity includes whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, preferably plant-based dairy and protein, nuts, legumes, and non-tropical vegetable oils.”

When you say whole fruits and vegetables, you mean eating it in its original form, right?”

LJ nodded, “yes, eat a whole orange; for example, that way, you get all its vitamins, nutrients, and fiber, which supports gut health and leaves you feeling fuller longer. Eat the celery…