Hello readers and welcome to Newsletter 3 of 2026! I hope you are taking good care of your heart this February as it is, National Heart Month. Of course you should be taking care of your heart every month. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, so when it comes to living and eating healthy, eating heart-healthy foods is a top priority. As always, I have my mid-month recaps of blogs and recipes. I post recipes regularly on my social media. You should check it out! My accounts are listed in the right-hand tab.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter edition!

Blog Recap

Fresh Produce in February: Healthy Seasonal Foods and Winter Recipes

American Heart Month 2026: Simple Ways to Protect Your Heart Naturally

Matcha Powder Explained: Health Benefits, Proper Preparation, and Recipes

Hay Diet (Food Combining): Benefits, Weight Loss Claims & How It Compares to Other Diets

Recipe Recap

Healthy Stuffed Pepper Soup

Serves: 4–6
Ready in: ~40 minutes
Why it’s healthy: High protein, fiber-rich, naturally gluten-free, and easy to make lower-carb if needed.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken (or extra-lean beef)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 bell peppers (any colors), diced
• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (no sugar added)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• ¾ cup cooked brown rice
  • or cauliflower rice for lower carbs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Brown the protein
   Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Sauté the veggies
   Add onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in diced bell peppers and cook another 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Build the soup
   Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and all seasonings. Stir well.
4. Simmer
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
5. Add rice
   Stir in cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) and simmer another 5 minutes.
6. Taste & serve
   Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Coconut Banana Cookies

Easy 2 ingredient recipe!

2 medium bananas

1 cup of coconut

OR

2 medium bananas

1 protein scoop GNC Whey

3/4 cup of coconut

Mash bananas stir in coconut and/or whey powder.

Taste delicious, is natural, and super healthy!

Healthy Oatmeal–Quinoa Cookies

Why These Are Healthy

• Quinoa adds complete plant protein and extra fiber
• Oats support heart health and digestion
• Natural sweeteners keep added sugar low
• Healthy fats help with satiety and blood sugar balance

---

Ingredients (Makes ~12 cookies)

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
• ½ cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil or olive oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional add-ins (choose 1–2):

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, maple syrup, applesauce, oil, and vanilla.
3. Stir in the oats, cooked quinoa, almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
4. Fold in any optional add-ins.
5. Scoop about 2 Tbsp dough per cookie onto the baking sheet and gently flatten.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Product Recommendations

Ninja Indoor Grill and Air Fryer. Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate & Crisp. Smart Thermometer & Splatter Shield. Dishwasher Safe Parts.

Party in an Air Fryer: 75+ Air Fryer Recipes from the Editors at Delish

SuperBeets Heart Tablets: Blood Pressure Support – 60 Tablets (30 Servings)

Hamilton Beach® Glass Kettle 1.7 Liter Capacity

Notable Quote

“If you keep good food in your fridge, you will eat good food.” – Errick McAdams

I am an affiliate marketer, and I use affiliate links. Any support you give is greatly appreciated! Please feel free to comment! This blog is a blog I mean to have a shared community with. I’m sure readers would love to hear your thoughts! This blog is also free, so please enter your email and subscribe today! I share information that just might change your life, or you could learn a fun or new recipe to add to your healthy meals list! Have a wonderful day and cheers to your better health!