It's Valentines Day!

In the spirit of celebrating your Valentines Day, there are three things that come to mind for me.
1. Roses
2. Your Heart
3. Chocolate

Therefore, I am going to cover all three of these. Why not?

Organic Roses
You buy organic food, but why organic flowers? Believe it or not, it is more important than you think.
Consider this information from the Organic Consumers Association. www.organicconsumers.org
Whenever you touch or inhale the scent of your non-organic flowers, you are likely touching or inhaling poisonous chemicals. When you buy organic flowers, you will not have to worry about chemicals on your flower bouquets being toxic to your children, other members of your family,or yourself.
The main goal of organic agriculture is to farm in ways that do not harm the environment, while there is no such motive for most non-organic farms.
Buying organic flowers helps support local organic farming communities and organizations, which often have charitable, philanthropic motives for selling their flowers
Pesticides and other toxic chemicals used on flowers affect the health of farm workers and florists. The toxic chemicals spread onto the clothes and into the bodies of farm workers and their children. Florists who handle non-organic flowers have been known to develop dermatitis on their hands.
The toxic chemicals used on flower farms poison groundwater and the soil. These chemicals also become part of the food chain, as animals such as birds will eat the sprayed plants. In the course of their seasonal migrations, these birds will spread these chemicals globally.
Makes you think a little bit about the flowers that grace the tables of your home. I am happy to receive any rose, but it is nice to know that there are options out there that are better for you and the Earth.

Your Heart
Take care of your heart health this month. Here are the top Heart Healthy Foods. Not to be a downer on this romantic holiday, but Heart Disease is the #1 killer for women. Take care of yourself so you are around a lot longer to love. (www.webmd.com)

Salmon (Wild)
Flaxseed
Oatmeal
Black or Kidney Beans
Almonds
Walnuts
Red Wine
Tuna
Brown Rice
Blueberries
Carrots
Spinach
Broccoli
Sweet Potato
Red Bell Peppers
Asparagus
Oranges
Tomatoes
Acorn Squash
Cantaloupe
Papaya
Dark Chocolate
Tea

Here is a heart healthy and romantic meal idea for Valentines Day or any day of the year!
Poached Salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach with walnuts and roasted acorn squash on the side. Got to www.simplyfoodonline.com to find these tasty recipes.

And, for dessert…
CHOCOLATE!!!
Not only is it heart healthy, but it is sinfully delicious. I always feel like I am diving into a little something special when I eat chocolate. Here is a wonderful recipe, which includes Dark Chocolate. Try to find an organic dark chocolate with at least 70% Cocoa for optimal health benefits.

Deep Dark Chocolate Fondue

Directions:
Place chocolate and cream in a double boiler
Warm over low heat until chocolate is melted and blended
Add special flavor if you like (see below)
Remove from double boiler and immediately place in fondue pot over low heat
Serve with fresh or dried fruit and squares of angel food cake.
YUM!

Ingredients:
10oz Dark Chocolate
½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
If desired the following can be added to flavor your fondue
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon orange liquor
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (yep, gives it a kick!)


~Simply Food Online
www.simplyfoodonline.com
www.simplyfoodonline.blogspot.com