Healthy eating adds up to a healthy heart

T-Mag Wednesday 07/April/2021 20:47 PM
By: NewsUSA
Healthy eating adds up to a healthy heart

 Making healthy food choices can be overwhelming, especially if money is tight. Good nutrition is at the core of good health and reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke. Eating delicious nourishing meals on a budget is possible, especially with a few key tips to make it simple.

 Make a list. Plan your menu ahead of time so you spend your money on what you really need. Try theme nights, such as Meat-free Monday or Taco Tuesday.
Go frozen. Fresh fruits and vegetables are frozen at their peak ripeness, so they're as tasty as they are fresh, won't spoil, and are often cheaper.
Be sale savvy. Stock up on staple foods such as low-sodium canned sauce and whole wheat boxed pasta when they go on sale. Use store rewards and coupons for even greater savings.

Here's one example of a tasty, healthy meal the whole family will love:
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Whole-Wheat Pasta
Serves 6
 16 ounces whole-wheat spiral-shaped pasta
 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all visible fat discarded, cut into 1-inch pieces
 3/4 teaspoon salt-free Italian seasoning blend or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
16 ounces frozen broccoli, thawed
 1 can, no salt added, whole-kernel corn, rinsed and drained,
 8 ounces fat-free cream cheese, softened
 1 cup fat-free, plain yogurt
 Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degree F. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package directions, omitting the salt. Drain well in a colander. Return the pasta to the pot. Cover and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken over high heat for 5 minutes, or until no
longer pink in the center, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Italian
seasoning blend, broccoli, corn, cream cheese, yoghurt. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the cream cheese has melted.
3. Transfer the chicken mixture to the pot with the cooked pasta, stirring to mix
well.
4. Transfer to a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Bake, covered with aluminum foil, for 15
minutes, or until heated through.