​

Hey my friends.

I was on the road this last week, attending the Women Heart Science and Leadership Symposium at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and then zipped over to Milwaukee to see dear friends in a rental car. It was a true honor to be among 43 other women with various forms of heart disease for three days. All of us are focused on the same goal: improve the outcome of women who will come after us. Then, having the opportunity to drive through the bluffs of the Midwest during peak fall color was a pure treat.

Did you know that less than 50% of women know heart disease is the number one killer of women? It's the leading cause of maternal mortality. 80% of heart disease is preventable. Women are less likely to have non-invasive diagnostic testing at initial point of care and three times less likely to be referred for cardiac rehab (this was me). And don't get me started on the inequality women of color experience in healthcare. NOT OK.

There's a lot of work to be done around equality in health care and Women Heart is on a mission to right the ship. As a Heart Champion for them, I have committed to the mission and will be teaming up with them via the podcast to bring resources nationwide (and worldwide) to women who need it most.

Another area where there is more work to be done is heart healthy eating and the education surrounding the topic. That's why I brought my cardiac dietitian back for the ENTIRE month of October.

Be sure to go back and listen to parts 1 and 2 if you haven't yet. Part 3 is full of more bite-sized wisdom (see what I did there?). :)

And.... Please consider joining her next Optimize Group starting in early November. You can find the link in the show notes or go here. Full transparency: this is my first official affiliate. You get to support the podcast AND your heart AT THE SAME TIME. How rad is that?

Episode Spotlight: Empower your Heart Health Series: Building a Heart-Healthy Diet

In this installment, Michelle shatters common misconceptions about restrictive diets and emphasizes the importance of a nutrient-sufficient eating plan. Whether you're recovering from heart surgery or looking to give your heart some extra love, Michelle provides practical, science-based tips that you can start implementing today.

Key Takeaways from Part 3:

1. This episode highlights the pitfalls of highly restrictive diets and why focusing on what you can add to your diet is more beneficial.
2. Your digestive health is closely tied to your cardiovascular health. Michelle shares personal stories and professional insights on how improving gut health can lead to amazing improvements in heart health.
3. From savoring every bite to cooking with joy, Michelle teaches us that enjoying our meals can be a delicious part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
4. Embrace progress over perfection. Michelle discusses how setting 1% improvement goals can lead to profound, long-term changes without the pressure of being perfect.

Also, I share more about my personal experiences working with Michelle, underscoring the transformative power of tailored nutritional advice. I regained joy in food, solved gut issues, and improved my overall health thanks to Michelle's expertise.

​

Call to Action: please leave a review, if you haven't already. It truly makes a difference in the podcast is found. Share this episode with friends and family to spread the message of hope and resilience.

Stay Connected: Follow me on social media and stay tuned for more inspiring stories. If you have a story to share, feel free to reach out; we’d love to hear from you.

Join The Patreon Community!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! This is THE PLACE TO BE on the internet. :)

​

In case no one has told you today, I love you, you matter, and food is medicine.

xo Boots