Bay Meadows

February is National Heart Health Awareness Month and is dedicated to raising awareness and increasing knowledge about prevention. One of the most important things you can do to protect your heart is to eat healthy and stay active. What better way to celebrate this month then taking advantage of the convenience of fresh ingredients just a short walk or bike ride away and the easy-to-make, delicious recipes shared that are fantastic for your heart!

Eat Healthy. Most healthy eating habits include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, and limit unhealthy fats. Viewed as perhaps the world’s healthiest eating pattern, the Mediterranean style incorporates the basics of healthy eating and is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and olive oil.

Home is Where the Heart Is: You can easily bring these bold flavors into your home with these quick and easy heart-healthy recipes that incorporate the Mediterranean patterns and fresh winter fruits and vegetables, we picked five of our favorites from our neighboring San Mateo Whole Foods:

Roasted Salmon and Grapes: Roasting concentrates the sweetness and flavor of organic grapes, making them a delicious complement to rich salmon fillets.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad: This spinach and whole wheat pasta salad, tossed with sun-dried tomatoes and garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas), is satisfying enough as a light main course, or perfect to serve alongside grilled entrées.

Moroccan Spiced Chickpea and Lentil Soup: Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and saffron infuse each spoonful of this savory soup — a hearty combination of lentils, chickpeas, fennel, onions and tomatoes. Great with warm whole wheat pita and a simple salad on the side.

Hummus and Vegetable Stuffed Pitas are quick, easy and perfect for picnics or packed in a bento box for lunch.

Mediterranean Crunch Salad is a scrumptious salad featuring kale and kalamata olives. Fresh and flavorful with bold flavors. Definitely a keeper for your recipe book.

Discover Heart Healthy at Your Local Farmers Market
The College of San Mateo plays host to our local San Mateo Farmers’ Market, open year round every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Add some leafy greens to your diet. Kale is in season and it’s a superfood! Try Chef Mario’s Kale Salad for a nice winter treat. Pick up your fresh ingredients and get cooking!

Get inspired for your own table by the variety of fresh local ingredients at local farmers’ markets. Here are a few of our favorites.

A total healthy eating plan and lifestyle approach continues to be one of the best prescriptions for a long, healthy life. Live long and love your heart!

Bay Meadows is a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of green space to enjoy all year long. Whether its growing your own vegetables in a gorgeous community garden with expert guidance, playing a game of pick-up basketball after work, team building over bocce and beers, or picnicking with friends and family on warm summer nights, there’s no shortage of green space to explore. If you have little ones, don’t miss Momdays on Mondays in Paddock Park!

Cover image: PCFMA, Kale from Nunez Farm