Listen to your heart!

February is all about matters of the heart…and I’m not just talking about Valentine’s Day! February is “American Heart Month” and what better way to show your loved ones how much you care than by simply making better, more heart-healthy choices?

I mentioned in my last blog that I committed to my life-long resolution a little over 2 years ago. This was a decision that I made on my own and for my self. You see, you can not fully embrace the challenges and, many, temptations a life-style change like this brings unless the time is right, for you. I know this from my past diet disasters! Therefore, I try not to offer healthy eating or living advice unsolicited (at least, outside this blog). But, I can usually find something to contribute when asked!

With that disclaimer stated, I would like to tell you about of one of my very favorite people. I promised him when I started writing this blog that I wouldn’t tell stories about him without approval. Well, sometimes it’s easier to ask for forgiveness! And, I promise, not to mention any names.

About a year ago, my, nameless, boyfriend started talking about wanting to “tone up”. Secretly, I believe “tone up” is guy code for “lose weight”! So, for Christmas, we decided to give each other memberships to our local YMCA and started working out together at the gym.

After a year of regular workouts, however, he was still puzzled and, sincerely, frustrated as to why the pounds weren’t coming off. Then it happened…he actually asked for my help to figure out why. In his own, roundabout, way!

I politely mentioned that, although he had been very loyal to the gym, his diet staples of frozen pizzas, macaroni and cheese, and Oreo cookies, may have something to do with it.
Remember…I said I didn’t give unsolicited advice!

We had an honest discussion about what changes he was ready to make and how he could incorporate healthier options in his diet. On our next trip to the grocery store, he vowed to learn to read…nutrition labels, that is! As we made our way through the freezer section, and the frozen pizza was upon us, I stood back and waited as he started searching for the label. “That’s not bad?!” he exclaimed. I then reminded him that the nutrition facts were per serving, not for the entire pizza.

As he was intently calculating in his head the calories and fat grams for the whole pie, a gentleman approached us with a smile on his face. “Hard to believe, isn’t it?” he chuckled. The man explained that he and his wife started reading nutrition labels 11 years ago after he suffered a major heart attack. The experience made him realize that his health and life with his family were more important to him than the fatty foods he lived on for years. He was only in his forties when he had his “life changing” experience and wasn’t going to take his second chance for granted. We ran into him several times throughout the store and he always had a piece of advice or words of encouragement to offer. He was such a pleasure to meet!

My boyfriend didn’t say much about our conversations with the gentleman in the grocery store. I will tell you that, since then, he has started making an honest effort to watch his portions, add more fruits and vegetables, and has even switched to reduced-fat Oreos! Sometimes the small changes make all the difference…he has actually lost about 10 pounds!

You don’t have to eliminate all of your favorite foods to lead a healthy lifestyle; you just have to make smart decisions. You can have your pizza and eat it too!

The more thoughtfully you protect your heart, the less likely you’ll face the life-threatening challenges posed by heart disease. No matter what your age or where you feel you are in life, the best time to take action and get healthy is always right now.

Remember, your heart is in your hands!