Many of you probably know that February is American Heart Month, or the month where we take a deeper dive into our cardiovascular heath. Heart disease remains to be the No. 1 killer of Americans, and because I have a family history (my dad’s side of the family has had some heart issues over the years), it’s a perfect time to make sure we are doing the things we can to combat heart disease.
My work does a 10-minute heart walk each year, and this year, the walk went virtual. I did a 30-minute walk around my neighborhood during my daily technology break from my computer (you can read more about that here).
Here is a fun, daily list of activities you can participate in that can improve your heart health also. You can do this starting Monday of next week:
- Do ask many jumping jacks, squats, push-ups and crunches as you can in 60-second.
- Cook a heart healthy meal at home.
- Engage in an activity that helps you relax and unwind (spoiler alert: I love walking my dogs at the end of my day).
- Drink half your body weight in oz. of water.
- Sleep 7-9 hours tonight.
I plan to start the challenge on Monday and will do my best to carry this out through the rest of February. As you all know, I’m a big fan of movement. Whether it’s getting out for a walk, run or bike ride, it’s been my lifesaver since grad school. It’s my biggest form of stress release. So, you’ll be happy to know that an active lifestyle can benefit you in so many ways and help you live a longer, healthier life.
It’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week.
What we’ve been up to
We have a big cold front coming in next week – Houston might actually get some snow. I really really hope we get some snow!!! So, I’ve been soaking up as much of this perfect weather as I can these last couple of days.
These guys are blooming on the side of my house, and I’m really hoping the cold doesn’t kill them off.
We’ve also been spending a lot of time out in the backyard in the evenings, and I’m so close to choosing which table I want for my backyard. I’ve got it narrowed down to two options!
These have been my heart healthy snack of the week. They are so good! You can get them here. Just $3.99 per bag.
And, for my healthy recipe of the week, I’m making salmon and Brussel sprouts. One of my favorite, easy weeknight dinners. It can be ready in less than 30 minutes, which is a win on a busy night.
In need of some other healthy easy weeknight dinners? Click here.
I get my second COVID-19 vaccine tomorrow, so wish me luck. I’ve heard the second dose has a few more side effects than the first. Interested in learning more about the vaccine? You can read about my experience with the first one here.
Happy Thursday, Friends. I’ll be back tomorrow sharing some of our Valentine’s Day plans with you – and sharing our stay at home Valentine’s date from last year.
