50+ Lifestyles

Fall in Love with Food Again

By Nina Struss RDN, LDN
Hy-Vee Registered Dietician
(515) 695-3779 nstruss@hy-vee.com

Valentine’s Day often comes to mind when we think of February, but did you know that it’s also American Heart Month? February is dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of both women and men in the United States. Research shows that, with healthy lifestyle and dietary changes, this disease can be prevented. Get grocery guidance from the Hy-Vee nutrition experts for specific
recommendations that’ll keep your ticker in tip-top shape.

1. Eat Seafood: A seafood dinner for two on love day may be the perfect recipe for good health. Whether you decide to carry out or cook at home, incorporate fish to reap the omega-3 benefits on February 14. Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and herring are all great choices. Try including these twice a week to lower triglyceride levels as well as decrease inflammation. As you can see, it’s quite a catch!
2. More Produce, Please: Spread a little love (and color) this holiday with the pigments lurking in the produce department. Whether it’s ruby red apples, vibrant berries or glorious salad greens, antioxidants are packed within, keeping our cells protected. Make room on your loved one’s plate for these essential foods groups as they can fill them up with fiber, a fabulous nutrient that aids with healthy cholesterol numbers.
3. Snack on Nuts: Heart-shaped looking walnuts live up to their appearance quite nicely. Healthy fats are found within this pop-able snack, which protects the heart a small handful at a time. Include this crunchy nut on oatmeal, yogurt or in an afternoon trail mix treat and fill up with nutrients that your belly will love and the organ that we associate with that very emotion will, too.
4. Drink in Moderation: Heavy drinking is linked to many heart-related problems including high blood pressure and stroke. While this may be heartbreaking to hear, keeping moderation in mind to protect this key muscle makes a toast worth clinking for. Moderate drinking is defined as one drink for women per day and up to two drinks daily for men. One drink equates to 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor, so “cheers” responsibly and your heart will pound proudly, too.

If you love your heart, you’ll start shopping smarter. Don’t be a statistic. Let’s beat the odds and set ourselves up for
success with a diet rich in heart disease-fighting foods.

Chicken and Squash Medley

Serves 4

All you need:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
• ½ cup Hy-Vee light Italian salad dressing
• 1 (1-lb) container Hy-Vee Short Cuts summer squash coins
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano

All you do:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in light Italian salad dressing for 30 minutes. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
3. Microwave summer squash coins, tomato, basil and oregano on HIGH for 5-7 minutes, or until crisp-tender, stirring halfway through.
4. Serve with chicken and a side of brown rice.

Recipe source: www.hy-vee.com

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.