Heart Disease is not just a health risk for aging men, associated with a stressful lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. But the newest statistics show that women are more at risk of dying from heart disease than from breast cancer, which is the disease they fear the most. My mom is a breast cancer survivor so I seem to think about that more.

The typical modern day diet is so high in processed foods, saturated and processed fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates with a low intake of fresh fruits and raw veggies, may also increase risk of heart disease. Remember being on cholesterol or high blood pressure medication doesn't mean that you can be lax about your eating habits. Being on medication, does not take responsibility away from you. Remember, although medication may be healthy, it only addresses a single aspect of heart disease risk, whereas a healthy diet will address a whole bunch of aspects of cardiovascular health.

11 Foods for a healthy heart

Tuna, Mackerel, herring, sardines, trout, Alaskan salmon, pilchards

Cold-pressed oils

Olive, sunflower, grape seed, flax seed oil, coconut, avocado

Many plant oils available in the stores are extracted using high temperatures. Remember that refined oils are rancid and can therefore be carcinogenic in our bodies.

Garlic

Fresh garlic added to salads and vegetable dishes

Chia seeds

These power packed seeds can be added to regular oatmeal, muesli, fruit salad and natural, unflavored yogurt, in fresh smoothies or use to thicken soups, sauces or stews.

Green Foods

Raw, leafy greens are very high in potassium which is crucial in maintaining a healthy heart. Raw foods = Raw Energy. Raw foods = live foods = life giving properties = LIFE! Our bodies are composed of live cells and thrive best on raw, live food. One of the greatest downfalls of our modern lifestyles is the habit of over-eating, and usually of foods that have the least food value such as processed, refined, cooked foods.

Whole-grains

Replace white bread and other refined carbohydrates with whole-grain alternatives, including brown rice cakes, non GMO corn cakes, oat cakes, unbaked muesli, quinoa, wild rice

Fresh Fruits

Try to eat at least three to five servings a day. Fresh fruit makes an ideal snack and can be topped with a delicious cashew nut cream.

Avocado

Avocados truly shine in terms of their health benefits. Add them to your salads, use as a healthy alternative to butter on bread, rice cakes or make a delicious guacamole. For a wonderful, quick salad, combine sliced avocado with fennel, oranges and fresh mint.

Nuts and Seeds

High in the good fats, use raw where ever you can to liven up salads, stir fries and other veggie dishes. Don't eat too much in a day or during snacking as they are very concentrated and have a high fat content.

Rooibos tea

Rooibos (Afrikaans for "red bush"; scientific name Aspalathus linearis) is a broom-like member of the legume family of plants growing in South Africa's fynbos. The plant is used to make a herbal tea called rooibos tea, bush tea (esp. Southern Africa), redbush tea (esp. UK), South African red tea, or red tea. The product has been popular in Southern Africa for generations and is now consumed in many countries.

This tea is high in antioxidants and has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by slowing down hardening of the arteries. Try using it to make a refreshing, herbal iced tea.

Raw vegetables

Experiment with salad recipes, including raw veggies. Make vegetable and fruit juices with a juice extractor. Store brought juices are higher in sugar. Raw foods will heighten your senses to their delicate aromas.

Current Nutrition Boot Camp Testimony  

I am currently busy with the third and fourth Boot Camp and it is such a blessing to see how people are responding to the information and the lives that are being touched. This makes what I do so worth it.  Here is a brief testimony from one of the third Boot Camp attendees.

"My husband and I are participating in Lere's four week nutrition boot camp. Not only is it interesting, Lere has such honest passion and concern for others health, that she motivates you without trying.

Spiritual Health