For Ivy McLean, heart health became personal after her father’s heart attack at 58. “It was a wake-up call,” she says.
“I realized I couldn’t keep ignoring the way food impacts our long-term health.” Quest Nutrition Ultimate Variety Pack Protein Bars, High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 12 Count
Already a fan of cooking, Ivy turned to the Mediterranean diet—famous for its heart-healthy benefits and rich, satisfying flavors. But instead of approaching it as a list of “rules,” she embraced it as a mindset.
“It’s not about what you can’t eat,” she says. “It’s about what you get to enjoy.”
Her meal prep Sundays became sacred. She’d roast trays of vegetables with olive oil and herbs, marinate chickpeas and lentils in lemon and garlic, and prepare big batches of farro or quinoa to pair with grilled fish or tofu.
“I always made sure I had something fresh, something crunchy, and something filling,” she says.
What surprised Ivy most wasn’t just how good she felt—but how easy it became to stay consistent. “Once the flavors are bold and the meals are ready, you stop reaching for processed food out of convenience,” she says.
Now, Ivy’s blood pressure has dropped, her energy is steady, and she’s passing the habit on to her kids. “We sit down together, eat slowly, and actually enjoy the food,” she says. “It’s not just a diet—it’s a family ritual.”
