Love is in the air (or at least it's supposed to be) this week, with the "love" day of the year coming up this Saturday. In the spirit of everything red and heart shaped, I'm taking a romantic time out for my own heart.
I don't mean to spoil the party, but the fact is, we need to keep better tabs on the state of our hearts. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer among women, and stroke is number three. The good news: You can do something about it!
In addition to regular physical activity and reducing saturated fats (which are found in meat and dairy), we can help our heart and overall health by eating according to the colors of the rainbow. Green foods contain an amazing antioxidant called lutein that keeps eyes and heart healthy, blue foods are rich in cancer-fighting (and anthocyanins), and red foods contain lycopene, a powerful duo that wards off both cancer and heart disease.
Since the color of the day is Red, I've harvested a bunch of links from the recipe vault, all with a red tint. In order to be kind to your own heart and those you love - IF you are cooking for Valentine's day, here are some things to consider.
In my opinion, pink is close enough, particularly when it comes to the all-powerful salmon. This version calls for a spice rub that you can play with based on your mood and what's in the cupboard.
Red quinoa: Like its beige-y counterpart, red quinoa cooks like rice and is incredibly versatile, playing well with nearly any flavor combination under the sun. This can be served hot or cold - take your pick.
Thai red curry paste and sweet potatoes. Yes, do try this at home. Plus, there are beta carotene from the sweets!
Perfect timing for a pot of red beans. Take your pick; you can have them braised or barbecue-style, with plenty of lycopene-rich tomato sauce.
Naturally, you can have your chocolates for dessert! It will help you produce happy hormones.
Happy Valentine's Day!
