Healthy Heart Healthy Life

January 31, 2018|Sharon McLaughlin

 

  

They say you can tell a book by it's cover....Not so true in my case. 

I have always maintained a healthy weight, and lived, what I thought was a healthy lifestyle, no serious illnesses, received good check-ups from the doctor, based upon appearances I looked healthy.

A few years ago I went to the doctor for my annual physical and received news that literally had my head spinning.  My doctor said I had borderline high cholesterol, you know the LDL bad stuff that clogs your arteries.  She told me that if my numbers did not come down in 6 weeks I will be placed on meds.  Me, taking meds for health reasons?  I spoke with my family and learned that high cholesterol is inherited, and was told, "accept it and welcome to the club." 

If anyone knows me they know that I am a Champion, a Warrior, an Overcomer.  I researched and realized that all these "healthy" frozen lean cuisine and weight watcher meals I was ingesting into my body was slowly killing me.  Yes, these meals are low in calories, and yes they taste good.  Ever wonder why? They are loaded with CHOLESTEROL, to make the food taste better.

It took all of 5 minutes, my pantry, freezer, and refrigerator were cleaned of all foods high in cholesterol, and replaced with fresh fruits and vegetables, non-gmo and certified organic foods, you know REAL food.  I got on a regular work out routine. My LDL cholesterol lowered by more than 40 points.

My doctor said she didn't know what I was doing, but to keep doing it. 

Lesson:  Just because you maintain a healthy weight and appear to be healthy, doesn't mean you are healthy.  I was what you might call a "skinny fat".  My outside looked good, but my heart was fat. 

This is a go to recipe to keep you warm during the winter months:

Habanero Chili

Even meat eaters will love this spicy Vegan Habanero Chili made with seitan, which crumbles just like ground beef and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

Course Main Course

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 10 servings, about 1 cup each

Calories 171 kcal

Author Beachbody

Ingredients

2 lbs. seitan

Nonstick cooking spray

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 habanero chile, seeded and deveined, chopped (use gloves to handle)

1 tsp. ground chili powder

½ tsp. ground paprika

½ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt) (to taste; optional)

1 dash ground black pepper

1 (15-oz.) can black beans, do not drain

1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, do not drain

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

Instructions

1. Place seitan in food processor; pulse until it has the consistency of ground beef. Set aside.
2. Heat large skillet, lightly coated with spray, over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until transluscent.
4. Add garlic, habanero, and seitan; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until seitan is golden brown.
5. Add chili powder, paprika, salt (if desired), and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 additional minutes.
6. Add black beans, kidney beans, and tomatoes; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until mixture is heated through.

Recipe Notes

The Nutrition Facts box below provides estimated nutritional information for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Habanero Chili

Amount Per Serving (1 cup not including pasta)

Calories 171

% Daily Value*

Sodium 696mg 29%

Total Carbohydrates 23g 8%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 20g 40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.