Happy Heart Month!
Supported by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, February is Heart Month. This month, not coincidentally falling in the same month as Valentine’s Day, is the time to honour your heart (however, I might argue that it warrants honouring all year round). Today, I’m sharing a recipe that is both heart-healthy and Valentine’s Day-worthy in its deliciousness.
Along with fibre (think legumes and whole grains), omega 3s (wild cold water fish, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts), and brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, coconuts are being added to the list of heart-star foods.
Coconut oil in particular is proving to be an especially therapeutic food, with consumption being correlated with improved cardiovascular health, brain health, and weight loss, among other health benefits. For more info on the varied health benefits of coconut oil (and another delish dessert!), see this post.
Other than eating coconut oil, here are my top 5 tips for keeping your heart healthy:
1) Eat plants! Naturally high in antioxidants, plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains are naturally high in fibre and antioxidants. Dark leafy greens and dark pigmented berries are my favourites.
2) Don’t smoke! Nuff said.
3) Exercise! Your heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised in order to stay strong. Walk, dance, lift weights, run, or have a good romp in the bedroom- whatever you need to do to get that delicious beat beating. 30 minutes a day, I say!
4) Have fun! Having fun is a great way to manage stress, and stress is something we all need to learn to manage better. TV doesn’t count as stress relief, but hanging out with friends, engaging in a hobby such as painting or gardening, reading, or being out in nature do!
5) Get mushy! Open your heart to receive love and give as much love as you can away. Imagine we all did this? Hug with abandon, express your feelings, and picture your heart smiling.
And now, for dessert 
This “cheesecake”, adapted from the genius over at Elana’s Pantry, is high in fibre and heart-healthy fat, and low in sugar. Virtuous enough to share with your loved ones. Yes, I said share. I know it’s hard.
Heart Healthy Non-Dairy Cheesecake with Berry Topping
“Cheesecake”
3 organic eggs
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup almond meal
2 heaping Tbsp of honey
20 drops of liquid stevia
1/4 tsp sea salt
Directions:
-Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor, and process until smooth and uniform.
-Transfer batter to an 8 x 8 Pyrex baking dish or pie plate.
-Bake at 350 C for 25-30 minutes. You can make the berry topping at this time.
-To set into a dense, cheesecake-like dessert, place dish in refrigerator after baking until chilled.
-Serve with berry topping and prepare for the party in your mouth 
Berry Topping
2 cups of frozen raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries (or mix)
2 heaping Tbsp of inulin powder*
Maple syrup or honey to taste (optional)
*Sweet-tasting soluble fibre found at most health food stores
Directions:
- Add berries, inulin, and sweetener to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes.
-Allow to cool and thicken or serve hot over chilled cake. Yum!
For more personalized dietary advice on how to keep your heart healthy, consider booking an appointment with a holistic nutritionist (like me!). I love keeping people’s hearts happy
Happy Heart Month Everyone!
Take care,
Alex
