It was a wake-up call when Isis Monroe’s father had heart surgery. She claims, “I began to think about my heart as well as his.”
She had always eaten a reasonably healthy diet, but it quickly changes priorities when you see someone you care about get better. After conducting extensive research, Isis discovered that heart health was more about consistency than a single magic food. She says, “It was more about what I regularly gave my body than it was about what I avoided.”
She established a routine—simple weekly meal preparation that took only a few hours on Sundays—to ensure she continued. Her kitchen became centred around whole grains, leafy greens, berries, legumes, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. She didn’t go too far, though. She chuckles, “I didn’t want to cook all day.”
She concentrated on simple staples like pre-portioned smoothie ingredients, soaked beans, overnight oats, and chopped vegetables for stir-fries. Although it wasn’t glitzy, it was effective. “Every week, I provided myself with the resources I needed to make wise choices stress-free.”
Now, getting ready for her week feels like a care act for her mental health as well as her physical health. Isis admits, “I’m not perfect.” “But I mean it.”
More than anything, knowing that she’s doing her part to safeguard her heart has given her a sense of empowerment.
