Heart-Healthy Recipes That Aren’t Boring

February 27, 2023

February is Heart Month and that means we are bringing even more awareness to living a long life with a healthy heart. Here in the Northwoods, that is even more difficult with the abundance of fried food and let’s face it, beer, at every corner. Being heart healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods though – it simply means that with easy swaps and delicious recipes, your taste buds will thank you while your heart stays healthy. 

EASY HEART HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS

  1. Lower-Sodium/No Salt Added Foods 

Look for foods that are low in sodium or do not have any added salt. If you cannot find the low sodium alternative, rinse the food in a colander to wash away some of the salt. It’s the little things that add up. 

  1. Nonstick Cooking Spray

Consider swapping your butter or shortening for a nonstick cooking spray when baking or creating a delicious dinner on the skillet. You can buy flavored nonstick cooking spray so that you still enjoy the benefits of being heart healthy without losing any of your favorite flavors. 

  1. Go Lean

…with meat that is. Choose poultry and fish over red meat. We know, we know – steaks and burgers just hit the spot. But intentionally choosing more lean meat over red meat will help your heart and health in the long run. Have you ever wondered why red meat is linked to increased cardiovascular risk? The answer might surprise you. 


EASY HEART HEALTHY RECIPES

  1. Irish Pork Roast with Root Vegetables

Full Recipe 

Heart Healthy? Check. Easy? Check. Packed full of flavor? Double check. What
makes this dish so easy is that you just set it and go. Go with a free-range heritage pork
loin and you will only need a sprinkle of thyme and a dash of sea salt to maintain its rich
flavor. 

  1. Beer-Battered Fish Tacos

Full Recipe

Beer-battered doesn’t always mean unhealthy. Enjoy a flavorful portion of fish in this simple taco recipe. By draining excess batter, you make it healthy and delicious at the same time. 

  1. Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
    Full Recipe

We all know someone who has an abundance of squash leftover from their garden in the
summertime. If you’re craving pizza and love squash, this recipe is for you. A dash of
ricotta and a drizzle of olive oil make this a refreshing snack that your heart will love. 

Being heart healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Simple swaps and delicious recipes can help you and your family live a longer and more fulfilling life. When you eat better, you feel better and when you feel better, you can enjoy more of life’s precious moments – like those occasional Friday Night Fish Fry’s. For more information on cardiology services at Burnett Medical Center, visit www.burnettmedicalcenter.com/services/cardiac-services/ today!

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