Color Your Menu Color Your Heart

Disclosure: I am part of the BJ’s Wholesale Club Blogger Ambassador program. This is a sponsored post. Although I was supplied products and/or compensated for writing this post, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I believe in and use myself.

Heart Healthy Foods

As you have probably heard by now February is American Heart Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. Eating heart healthy foods is an important step that can decrease your risk of heart disease.

Most people know eating certain foods can help decrease heart disease risk, but it can be tough changing eating habits. It’s easy to grab fast food and make prepackaged, processed foods when you are hungry and in a hurry. But with a little prep-work and menu planning you can eat delicious, healthy, and easy to prepare foods in about the same amount of time it takes to order a pizza or Chinese takeout.

Here are a few quick tips to help you choose heart-healthy foods.

Be sure to buy and eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. They are rich in fiber, low in calories and good sources of vitamins and minerals.

Incorporating fruits and vegetables in to your diet is simple. Purchase your favorites at BJ’s Wholesale Club where you will find a wide selection of regular and organic produce at great prices. When you get home wash and cut up veggies, such as carrots, celery, broccoli and cauliflower, and keep them in your refrigerator for quick healthy snacks.

Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are especially good for your heart. Have a colorful dinner plate to get all the nutrients your body needs!

Keep a bowl of fruit front and center on your kitchen counter so you will see it every time you walk in and remember to eat it. When fresh fruits and vegetables aren’t available choose frozen over canned, but if you must use canned, pick ones packed in water without added sugars or salt.

When planning your weekly menu, choose recipes that feature vegetables and/or fruits as the main ingredients, like this delicious yummy Beef & Vegetable Stir-fry, Pecan & Cranberry-Crusted Salmon with Cran-Apple Drizzle or this vibrant Spinach and Strawberry Salad from Chef Glenn Lyman, BJ’s Cooking Club Ambassador.

Protein is an important nutrient for your body. Stick to lean proteins to keep your heart healthy. Good sources of lean proteins include poultry, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, legumes (beans, peas and lentils), tofu, seeds, and nuts.

Choose lower fat options, like fat-free milk over whole milk and baked items over fried. Legumes also contain less fat than meat and no cholesterol. Substituting a veggie or bean burger for a hamburger will reduce your fat and cholesterol intake, which in turn lowers your risk of heart disease.

For more info, check out this Color Your Heart infographic from BJ’s! Click on the image to enlarge.

Disclosure: I am part of the BJ’s Wholesale Club Blogger Ambassador program. This is a sponsored post. Although I was supplied products and/or compensated for writing this post, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I believe in, and use myself.