Valentine’s day is often focused on the indulgence in rich foods, and sugary treats. Why not show some love to our hearts (and minds!) this Valentine’s day with rich heart healthy foods, and endorphin and positivity boosting activities.
In last weeks blog post we touched on February being heart month and spoke about the risk’s associated with inactivity and poor diet to our physical health.
This week, we would like to discuss some Heart Healthy food options that are still festive and fun (think red!) but are packed with cardio-protective nutrients such as lycopene, (reduces your risk for heart disease) Vitamin C, (reduces inflammation in the body) potassium, (help improves blood pressure) folate, (improves arterial elasticity), and fiber (helps to lover LDL-cholesterol). As well as some fun activities to participate in this week – with your Significant other, a best friend, or even some quality self-care time!
Our Heart Healthy Food ideas:
- Tomatoes (Make a flavorful savory salad with tomato to go along with your main course!)
- Red Bell Peppers (Grilling red peppers in just a couple teaspoons of virgin olive oil and seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper is a great to addition to almost any dish!)
- Strawberries (Do we need to say more? Dark chocolate, Greek yogurt, etc.)
- Cherries (Great on their own! Or add as a sweet treat with some dark chocolate- at least 70% cacao)
- Red Beans (full of fiber, a practical item to add to soups, stews, salads, etc.)
- Cranberries (Making a homemade cranberry sauce using honey/maple syrup to sweeten will cut back on processed sugars but make a great flavorful and comforting addition to a turkey or chicken dinner)
Our Mind Healthy Activity ideas:
Remember, Valentine’s day doesn’t have to be all about the food, focusing on a fun activity not only makes great memories, but boosts serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine production in the brain. All in all, bringing you a little more joy and energy to take on the day!
- Go dancing! Come try out one of our Zumba classes here at NRG 4 Life. Tuesday’s at 7:00pm and Fridays at 9:00am.
- Take a walk through the neighborhood. Uxbridge has some incredible trails and when the snow piles a little too high, come on in and stroll on the treadmills together!
- Go for a spin! Spin classes are a great way to enjoy a bike ride with your Significant other, a best friend, family member, or anyone special in your life no matter what fitness level your at! We have 4 new spin classes on the schedule (members and non-members welcome!).
Spin Class Date and times at NRG 4 Life :
Monday @ 7:00pm W/ Dean
Tuesday @ 10:30 am w/ Brenda & @ 6:00pm w/ Dean & @ 7:00pm W/ Taya
Wednesday @ 8:45am W/ Sarah & @ 6:30pm W/Dean or Maggy
Thursday @ 6:00pm W/ Taya or Kate &@ 7:00pm W/ Taya
Friday @ 9:30am W/ Brenda & 5:45pm W/ Marlene or Heather
Saturday @ 9:30am W/ Taya, Maggy, or Dean
Sunday @ 8:30am W/ Heather, Kathy, or Marlene
Click here to reserve a spot in one of our Spin/Zumba classes!
More questions about staying heart healthy or increasing well-being ? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
905-852-4750 www.nrg4lifefitness.net info@deannas41.sg-host.com
conveniently located at 284 Main St., N., Technology Sq., Unit 100, Uxbridge