This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Heart Truth® for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hey gang, did you know that February is American Heart Month?
Yup, it is, and that is why I am partnering with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) We want to get the word about their The Heart Truth® program. The program helps to raise awareness about heart disease in women, and how you can reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
So I decided to tell you a bit about my story, share some advice #FromTheHeart, and show you some pretty awesome heart-healthy recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even snacks and a dessert!
Some of you know that I used to be very overweight. In fact, I was morbidly obese.
I can still remember the first time the doctor said those words.
Morbidly
Obese
I think I sat in silence for what felt like forever.
As you can see, it was big. I knew I was big, I mean there was no denying it. I had gotten to the point that I could barely stand for more than 30 minutes, and walking? Ppffftttt that wasn’t happening.
Oh, I wasn’t always overweight. In fact, I was anorexic when I was a teenager, weighing around 90 pounds for quite some time.
Now I was facing a number on the scale that was quickly approaching 300 pounds!
I had gotten to this place through several different paths. A car accident had set me up for problems. But honestly, at 150 pounds, I was slightly overweight, to begin with.
I was 30 years old at that point and thought that I could conquer the world. I felt healthy, like nothing, including a speeding car, could hurt me. So when the weight began to slowly creep on, I didn’t really let it bother me much. I had two small children, and they kept me busy, so that was all I focused on.
I had tried to ask for help, but every doctor I saw just told me “You’re fat, stop eating and exercise”. No matter what reason I went to in, they always told me that it was because I was fat.
Even then I didn’t really grasp the reality of my situation.
Until I met Dr Reyes.
She sat me down and talked to me like a human, and adult human.
She asked me if I wanted to be around to see my grandchildren. Then told me, in very plain words, that if I didn’t change my life I would be dead in 10 years! I was 160 pounds overweight AND I was a smoker. I ate foods that were high in fat, and fresh fruits and vegetables rarely made an appearance at our house.
She also pointed out that I was raising my children to follow in my footsteps.
My kids were just 11 and 16.
I had no idea what my genetics would tell me because my father was adopted, and my grandmother, on my mother’s side, was adopted. I had no idea if I was predisposed to heart disease. But I knew that there were steps I could take to lower my risk. With heart disease being the #1 killer of women, I knew I needed to control the other risk factors that made me vulnerable to the disease.
I opted to take a drastic step and have gastric bypass surgery, which helped me to lose those 160 pounds. I quit smoking and began exercising on a regular basis, even if it was just to go for a walk.
I went from needing a wheelchair to get around a park with my kids.
To being able to go for long walks, and enjoy the beach, parks, or wherever my kids wanted to go.
2 years later, when my son graduated, he told me that he had been afraid that I wouldn’t be there. I had no idea my children had been affected that way.
So I am definitely happy to partner with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) The Heart Truth program!
During the month of February, American Heart Month, The Heart Truth initiative wants to remind us of the dangers that heart disease poses to women, and remind us that there are things that we can do to reduce our risk and live a heart-healthy life. I know that I have relaxed my drive a bit, and allowed some weight to creep back on. Plus, due to my field of work, and the fact that I sit on my rear all day long, I have slacked off with my exercise routine.
So this has reminded me that I need to be aware. I can’t bury my head in the sand again. I have a brand new granddaughter to get me motivated and get me back on track.
That means I need to get active. My boyfriend built me a treadmill desk so I can walk while I do my email in the AM. I bought some work out DVD’s, and, with our new rescue dog, I try to get out to and walk every day, or as much as Western Washington weather will let me.
I have focused back in on my diet, removing as much fat as I can. I am determined to get back to that healthy weight and continue healthy eating habits.
But just because I am eating healthy, doesn’t mean I am not enjoying what I eat.
Oh, heck no! I find tons of ways to get those yummy flavors packed into my meals and snacks.
Here are just a few of the ways I do it.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Side Dishes
Grilled Ratatouille Quinoa
Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze
Snacks
Dessert
Remember, it’s never too late to give someone a Valentine – a gift from the heart – to show the women in your life that you love them by making a heart healthy meal, go for a walk, and if chocolate is a must, give her some nice dark chocolate 
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