February is Heart Health Month !

February is Heart Health Month and who would think snacking would actually benefit your heart?

Planned snacking through out the day is actually a great way to increase your fiber intake which is great for lowering cholesterol levels and managing weight! Snacking is also a great opportunity to increase your calcium and antioxidant intake. Who thought snacking could be so good!

Here are some of my favorites:

Trader Joes Fiberful Granola Bars– these handy snacks are really fiber- full- 9 grams of heart healthy fiber per serving and so delicious!

Edamame- microwaved, steamed or roasted, this snack is a nutritional powerhouse! A half cup serving has approximately 120 calories,  9 grams of fiber and 11 grams of soy protein. Soy is shown to lower cholesterol.

Wheat Thins Fiber Selects crackers- 5 grams of fiber per serving- an easy way to increase your fiber intake with just a handful ! Also relatively low in sodium with only 240 mg per serving.

Laughing Cow mini baby bells light- these handy cheese snacks are low in calories and fat, yet high in protein and calcium.

Frozen grapes– these are delicious !  Just put some in a baggie and keep them in your freezer for a refreshing portion controlled snack. Grapes have antioxididants which reduce inflammation, an important marker of cardiovascular disease. Helps to lower blood pressure too !