Kim Griffin Family and Consumer Sciences Agent UF IFAS Extension – Suwannee County
February is American Heart Month. At least one month every year we dedicate more time, energy, and effort into heart-health awareness. This year, it is more important than ever to focus on heart health by adopting a healthier lifestyle. You can start by making a commitment to live heart-smart. When you live heart-smart, you make heart-healthy choices to reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Make changes gradually but be consistent and stay dedicated to the process. Eating heart smart means that you are choosing foods like colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein, and heart-healthy oils like olive and canola. It also means that you are limiting foods that are high in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and added sugar. Want to try a heart smart recipe? Try guacamole deviled eggs for a little twist on an old favorite.
Ingredients: 9 large eggs - 1 medium avocado, halved and pitted - 2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream - 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice - 1 to 2 Italian plum tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Pinch of pepper - 1 to 2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeños, seeds and ribs discarded (optional) - 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional).
Directions: Boil eggs and remove shells. Slice each egg in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks. Add two whole egg yolks to a medium bowl. (Save the remaining egg yolks to use at another time). Use a spoon to scoop the avocado into a bowl with the egg yolks and use a fork to mash together. Stir in sour cream, lime juice, tomatoes, green onions, salt, pepper and jalapeño. Spoon the avocado mixture into each egg white half, dividing equally. Sprinkle each egg white half with 1/4 teaspoon cilantro. Enjoy!
Living heart-smart means that you are making a commitment to be active most days of the week. The more active you are the better it is for your heart. Start where you are! If you were not active yesterday, try being active for 10 minutes today. Remember living a healthy lifestyle is not a sprint, it's a marathon. If you are ready to make healthier lifestyle choices and are interested in joining a local community of like-minded individuals, then join us for Let's Walk, Florida! beginning Monday, March 15, 2021!
Let's Walk, Florida! is a statewide, virtual healthy lifestyle education program. During this 10-week program, you will receive weekly health educational guides, engage in virtual meetings with a local health educator and other residents from your county and track and report your physical activity minutes. This virtual community provides the education, support and accountability needed to improve your health. Even though the title of the program is Let's Walk, participants can track and report any moderate intensity cardiovascular activity. All program completers will receive a certificate and medal. This program is open to individuals, families and organized teams. For more information contact Amanda Law or Kim Griffin at the Suwannee County Extension office at (386) 362-2771.