Hello Team! Since February is the month of love – we want to make sure that your heart is in good shape! Here are 7 heart healthy foods to keep in your diet to prevent disease and keep it strong!

Oatmeal.

One of the best heart healthy foods is oatmeal. So if this isn’t in your diet right now, go and get some today. According to health.com, 67 studies were conducted that showed people with diets that were high in soluble fiber (steel-cut oats) had lower overall and LDL (the bad kind) cholesterol. If oatmeal alone doesn’t sound appetizing, add a dollop of vanilla greek yogurt and a few of your favorite berries.

Salmon.

Although it’s not the cheapest fish on the market, salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids which have been proven to help protect your heart from disease. Not a big fish fan? Not a problem, you can get omega-3s from fish oil capsules or nuts.

Nuts.

When choosing heart healthy nuts, go for the walnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts. These are the ones that have mono and polyunsaturated fats – these are the “good” fats that your body needs to process and absorb certain vitamins.

Extra virgin olive oil.

There are numerous studies that confirm that the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil can lower the LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol – reducing your risk of heart disease. Use it over pastas or on salads with a little bit of balsamic vinegar.

Berries.

Who doesn’t love berries? Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries have been shown to lower inflammation in the body and have a ton of heart health benefits. Plus, berries are a great way to get a healthy dose of naturally occurring sugar – great for you, and your sweet tooth.

Beans.

Beans are not only a great source of protein, that are great for your cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that people who eat legumes (beans and lentils) at least 4 times a were had a 22% lower risk of heart disease than those who only ate them once a week. Beans are great on top of brown rice or quinoa, or in a salad.

Broccoli.

This heart healthy food, along with other green and delicious veggies like kale, spinach, and chard, have amazing anti-inflammatory and body detoxifying effects that you shouldn’t miss out on. Enjoy them steamed, raw. in a salad or as a side to a meal.

Well, there you have it. If you don’t have any of things in your diet right now, you should make a trip to the grocery store as soon as possible and pick a few things up and start protect your ticker! You’re already doing your heart some favors by training regularly, but why not maximize your benefits by eating foods that will complement your training efforts?

Eating well is 75% of the battle of losing weight and keeping the weight off. If you’re exercising but eating poorly, you’re not doing yourself any favors.

As always, if you have any questions about diet and nutrition – don’t hesitate to ask your coach. We’re always here to help!