Valentine’s Day may be over, but we’re still all 😍. That’s because February is American Heart Month, a time to adopt heart-healthy habits in order to improve your heart-health and overall wellness. Your diet plays a key role in keeping your heart strong, but sometimes it’s hard to find the right foods to fuel your ticker.
The Power of Three
Did you know? Omega-3s are good for your heart and overall wellness, and California walnuts are the only tree nut with a significant source of omega-3 ALA (2.5 grams per ounce).
Not sure how to get started with walnuts? Begin your journey to better heart-health with the Power of 3 by eating just 3 handfuls of walnuts per week. Commit to a healthier lifestyle and encourage your loved ones to do the same! Small changes can have big effects.
3 Heart-Healthy Recipes to Try
Here’s 3 more of our favorite heart-healthy recipes, certified by the American Heart Association, to try this week. There’s something for everyone and every meal!
Breakfast is Easy Caprese
Toast is one of those classic breakfasts because it’s so simple to make, even on the busiest of mornings, and it can be topped with just about any ingredient. This week, start your day off right with this delicious breakfast. This Cottage Cheese-Walnut Caprese Toast blends flavors and textures in a surprisingly indulgent and delicious way. Round out your morning of self-care with a little light yoga or stretching and a moment of mindfulness. Focused and fueled—you’ll be ready to take on whatever the day has in store!
Poppable Party Appetizer
When it comes to entertaining and hosting, it can be hard to find healthy crowd-pleasing appetizers. Swapping even one or two of your menu items for a heart-healthy option can make for a more balanced spread while still ensuring everyone is satisfied. These Herbed Cheese & Walnut Stuffed Mini Peppers can take the place of heavier jalapeño poppers for a snackable side. Filled with an herbed cheese and walnut mixture, they’re the perfect make-ahead appetizer, and you can whip them up in less than 15 minutes. Not hosting anytime soon? No occasion needed! Pack some stuffed mini peppers for a midday snack or as a part of your lunch.
Taco-bout Tasty Tacos
This Taco Tuesday, try a heart-healthy spin on the most delicious day of the week with these Fiesta Pork & Walnut Tacos. The key here is thin strips of lean pork tenderloin paired with chopped walnuts to create the perfect filling for these easy tacos. A fresh blend of spices rounds out this bevvy of bold flavors! For bonus heart benefits, serve your tacos with a side of roasted veggies rather than beans and rice.
Show Your Heart Some Love
Your heart is the most important muscle in your body, so show it some love. Next time you’re looking for a quick snack or a delicious meal, lean on the Power of 3 and California walnuts. And help those you love take care of their tickers, too. Let three friends know about the heart-health benefits of omega-3s and California walnuts! Your heart (and your friends) will thank you.
* Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.
