February is not just about being romantic - it is also about keeping that heart of yours healthy! For your hearts sake and your loved ones take a few minutes to learn how you have a more nutritious life!

This monthly email gives you tips on the 6 components to a complete and healthy life. Enjoy your February monthly tips!

Stress:
Researchers have found that eating chocolate actually causes the release of endorphins; chemicals released in the brain that make us feel good and less stressed. So this Valentine's Day, indulge (a bit!) in some chocolate! Just remember-stick to the dark kind (Dagoba Lemon Ginger is one of our favorites) for added benefits of antioxidants!

Sleep:
Wear socks to bed! Your feet are one of the coldest parts of your body due to poor circulation. Studies have shown that people who wear warm socks to bed wake up less during the night than people who don't, causing them to have a better nights sleep.

Fluids:
Ongoing research at Cornell University has shown that a cup of hot cocoa may contain more antioxidants than a similar serving of red wine and even tea! Make some this month with skim milk to get added calcium without the added fat. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as peppermint, vanilla, or almond for an extra layer of flavor!

Personal Time:
Spend a little extra time with your doctor going over your cholesterol levels. You may know your LDL and HDL, but do you know your ratio? How about your homocysteine level? Take a few extra minutes to really understand what the numbers mean. It could only take 5 minutes to help you improve your heart health for life.

Exercise:
The bathroom scale doesn't tell all! Even if you don't lose weight, people who engage in moderate regular exercise may still improve their cardiovascular health. So don't give up your exercise even if you are frustrated with the number on the scale. Stay consistent and focus on ALL of the health benefits.

Diet:
Change things up from strawberries and give your Valentine Goji berries!! Variations of this fruit have been shown to have more antioxidants than any other food, specifically beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid that may provide protection from cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, as well as macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Goji berries are most often sold in dried form, so try incorporating them into your diet by adding a small handful on top of your oatmeal or on a salad. Just be careful of which ones you buy-those with a bright orange-red color may have been treated with sulfur!

Please excuse our site, www.nutritiouslife.com, while it is still under construction!