By Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

They must be Del Monte!

Glance around the kitchen of my townhouse apartment and it is what one might call annoyingly heart healthy yet for good reason. From ever present Del Monte bananas atop the refrigerator, to boxes of cereal such as Kellogg’s Raisin Bran to Quaker Rice Cakes, to 99 percent fat free skinned chicken breasts, light Promise, fresh yellow and zucchini squash, asparagus, blueberries (the supposed miracle fruit), bing cheeries, watermelon … I could go on but you get the picture.

One of the best heart healthy weapons, however, resting in disguise by the front door of my living room are what I will call “my secret morning slippers”. One of my favorite things has become slipping them on early – and I do mean early – while I’m still in my sweat shorts and tee (this morning it was 5:55 a.m.), tossing a sweatshirt around my shoulders, donning a pair of sunglasses and grabbing a tall stick for a morning walk around the ‘block’. The walking stick I have convinced myself will save me from chipmunks or other critters of nature which are also early risers.

Sofia and Katie in their Seahawks gear.

Yes, I could put on my baby blue sneakers but it wouldn’t be as easy. Plus, these are cozy, moccasin-like slippers and best of all they were a Christmas gift from my beautiful nieces Katie & Sofia. My morning slippers’ deep maroon color is perfect for a heart healthy theme and they are so comfortable, still they have soles just fine for an outdoor stroll. And it starts my days thinking of the girls whom (even though they are Seattle Seahawks fans) I love with all my – of course – heart!!