In an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution yesterday, writer Vikki Conwell asks cardiologist Paul Douglass to offer some heart healthy ideas for this Valentine’s Day.

Here are a few of Dr. Douglass’s recommendations from the article:

Dark chocolate. Studies have shown that 2 ounces of dark chocolate (70 percent cocoa) lowers blood pressure and provides antioxidants. Balance the calorie intake with increased exercise.

Red wine. A glass of red wine provides antioxidant protection for the heart’s blood vessels. Similar benefits can be derived from eating grapes or drinking grape juice.

Pedometer, running shoes, gym membership. Healthy adults should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. For help starting a walking regimen, visit www.americanheart/start.org.

Heart monitor. Keep track of your heart rate while walking or engaging in high-intensity exercise.

Healthy cookbooks. Eating right doesn’t have to taste bad with recipes that are light on fat and calories but high in flavor. Help your sweetheart curb their sweet tooth with more than 100 treats that don’t pack on the pounds.

Indoor/Outdoor Grill. Preparing meals with less fat improves your diet.

I have another idea…the following recipe for energy bars is in my upcoming book. They can easily be jazzed up for Valentine’s Day by making them heart-shaped with a cookie cutter and by drizzling dark chocolate on the top.  Yummy and healthy!

ENERGY BARS

Forget the packaged, processed granola or protein bars and fuel up with real, wholesome food made with raisins, dried fruit, oats, and whole wheat flour. This recipe is sweetened with agave nectar, which means you won’t get a spike in your blood sugar (insulin) level, a major cause of fat storage.

Makes 8 bars

1 one-fourth cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 teaspoon expeller-pressed organic canola oil

one-fourth cup toasted wheat germ

one-fourth cup whole wheat flour

one-fourth cup flaxseed meal

one-fourth cup amber agave nectar

1 large egg white

2 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt

2 teaspoons unsulphured dark molasses

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

one-third cup raisins and/or chopped dried apples or apricots

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

one-half teaspoon sea salt

one-third cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Brush an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with canola oil. In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over low heat, add the oats, and toast, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Pour the oats into a large bowl. Add to the oats all the remaining ingredients and stir until mixed. Spread the mixture in the prepared pan and press down firmly and evenly using an oiled rubber spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven, let cool completely, and cut into bars to serve.

YOU Docs: Healthy gifts will keep giving for many years

by Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz

I caught this article in the YOU Docs syndicated column that appears every Wednesday in the “How We Live” section of the Oregonian. Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz offer some healthy gift suggestions for all the different people in your life from the eco- conscious types to the glamour girls.  The following is an excerpt…click on the link at the end of this post to see the full column – definitely worth checking out! 

“When it comes to making everyone on your gift list happy, you can do better than wine or Prozac. Well, maybe not, but you can give gifts that keep giving. These days, gifts that make you healthy are also fun to get. Extra joy: Since they don’t break the bank, you can buy one of each for yourself, too. Here are some of our favorite things that give health for years to come:

Colleagues: Deep, dark chocolate. Splurge on the real cocoa-based stuff, with 70 percent or more cocoa (it might say “cocoa butter” on the label). The healthiest chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa and doesn’t contain milkfat or solids. What it does contain is flavonoids, which help keep your arteries young. But the real reason to give it, especially to your officemate or whoever does your review: Eating chocolate releases dopamine, a feel-good hormone. Recommended for a starter at most meetings.

Continue reading The YOU Docs column…