Eating for heart health has never tasted so good.
February is heart health month, and we wanted to celebrate by sharing a list of heart-healthy recipes with you! These recipes are all low in saturated fat, high in fiber, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids. They are perfect for anyone looking to improve their heart health. Eating healthy is not only good for your heart, but it can also help reduce your risk of developing other chronic diseases. So why not start celebrating heart health month today with one of these delicious recipes?
Benefits of Eating For Heart Health
Poor heart health is a major concern for many Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, heart disease kills more than 600,000 Americans. That’s one in every four deaths. Heart disease is also a leading cause of disability in the United States. It can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems.
If you’re concerned about your heart health, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you make lifestyle changes that may improve your heart health. These changes may include eating a heart-healthy diet, getting more exercise, and quitting smoking.
There are many benefits to eating for heart health. Eating a heart-healthy diet can help lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of heart disease. It can also help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Plus, eating for heart health can make you feel good! When you eat healthy foods, your body gets the nutrients it needs to function properly. You’ll have more energy and you’ll feel better overall.
Heart-Healthy Ingredients
When you’re cooking for heart health, there are certain ingredients you should look for. These ingredients can help improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Fiber
Fiber is important for heart health because it helps lower cholesterol levels and keep your arteries clear. Soluble fiber, in particular, can help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, barley, beans, lentils, and apples.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat that can help reduce triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat that can clog your arteries. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Protein
Protein is an important nutrient for heart health. It helps keep your heart muscle strong and can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and tofu.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are nutrients that can help protect your cells from damage. They can also help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Good sources of antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Low-Saturated Fat
Saturated fat is a type of fat that can raise your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease. To reduce your risk, it’s important to limit your intake of saturated fat. Good sources of low-saturated fat include lean meats, chicken, turkey, and fish.
28 Heart-Healthy Recipes for National Heart Month
Now that we’ve gone over some of the heart-healthy ingredients you should look for, it’s time to get cooking! Here are 28 recipes for National Heart Month. These recipes are all low in saturated fat, high in fiber, and packed with protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Hummus Breakfast Bowls: This hummus bowl is packed with heart-healthy ingredients like fiber-rich beans, heart-healthy olive oil, and protein-rich eggs.
- Protein-Packed Black Bean and Lentil Soup: This soup is packed with heart-healthy protein and fiber. It’s also low in saturated fat and calories, making it a great option for heart health.
- Tabouleh Salad with Whole Wheat Pita Crisps: Whole grains in this recipe provide heart-healthy fiber, while the veggies and olive oil help keep saturated fat low.
- Salmon Teriyaki with Snow Peas: This heart-healthy recipe features omega-3-rich salmon and fiber-packed snow peas. The teriyaki sauce is low in saturated fat and calories as well.
- Creamy Protein Green Smoothie: This smoothie is a great way to start your day. It’s packed with heart-healthy protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Sweet Potato and Zucchini Casserole: This casserole is a great source of heart-healthy fiber and antioxidants. It’s also low in saturated fat, which supports better blood health.
- Blackberry and Chia Breakfast Pudding: This pudding is a great source of heart-healthy fiber and antioxidants. The chia seeds are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Endive Salad with Roasted Beets and Pistachios: This salad is a great source of heart-healthy fiber and antioxidants. The beets are also a good source of nitrates, which can help improve blood health.
- Pecan-Crusted Fish: This heart-healthy recipe features omega-rich fish and pecans. Pecans are a good source of heart-healthy antioxidants and omega-3s, as well.
- No-Bake Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites: These energy bites are a great source of heart-healthy fiber and antioxidants. They’re also low in saturated fat and calories, making them a great option for heart health.
- Pearl Barley and Vegetable Minestrone: Barley is a good source of heart-healthy magnesium, fiber, and even protein. The veggies in this soup are also a good source of antioxidants.
- Avocado Tuna Salad: This heart-healthy recipe features omega-rich tuna and fiber-packed avocado. The salad is also low in saturated fat, making it a great option for heart health.
- Winter Buddha Bowl: Eggs are a great source of protein, while sweet potatoes and brown rice offer tons of fiber. The broccoli and lentils also offer fiber and antioxidants.
- Chocolate Raspberry Truffles: These truffles are a great source of antioxidants and fiber. Dark chocolate is a good source of heart-healthy flavonoids.
- Oven-Crisp Fish Tacos: This heart-healthy recipe features omega-3-rich fish as well as fiber-packed veggies and whole wheat tortillas.
- Quinoa Fruit Salad: Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. It’s also a good source of heart-healthy fiber and antioxidants.
- Tomato Basil White Fish: This heart-healthy recipe features omega-rich fish and heart-healthy tomatoes. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.
- Whole Grain Peanut Butter and Fruit Toast: This heart-healthy toast features whole-grain bread and high protein peanut butter. The fruit is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
- Delicious Greek Chicken Kebabs: These kebabs are a great source of heart-healthy protein and antioxidants. The chicken is also a good source of niacin, which is known to support heart function.
- Avocado and Grape Salad with Walnuts: Avocado and walnuts are both good sources of heart-healthy omega-three fatty acids. This salad is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
- Spinach and Artichoke Breakfast Sandwich: This heart-healthy breakfast sandwich is a great source of protein and fiber. Spinach and artichoke are also good sources of fiber and antioxidants.
- Fresh Lime and Basil Fruit Salad: Fresh melon and berries offer tons of heart-healthy antioxidants, while the lime and basil add flavor and heart-healthy benefits.
- Skinny Chicken and Roasted Potato Bowl: This heart-healthy recipe features chicken, a lean protein, and roasted potatoes. The potatoes are a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
- Spicy Black Bean and Shrimp Salad Recipe: Shrimp offer special compounds called astaxanthin and selenium. These two nutrients are known to be heart-healthy. The black beans in this salad also provide heart-healthy fiber.
- Triple Berry Baked Oatmeal: This heart-healthy recipe is a great source of fiber and antioxidants. The berries are also a good source of heart-healthy flavonoids.
- Rainbow Salad with Sauteed Veggies and Boiled Potatoes: This tasty recipe features a variety of colorful veggies that offer heart-healthy benefits.
- Lemon Garlic Pasta with Fresh Veggies: This Our lemon garlic pasta features whole wheat pasta and fresh veggies. The lemon and garlic add flavor as well as heart-healthy benefits.
- Dark Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies: These yummy cookies are a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Dark chocolate and cranberries are also good sources of heart-healthy flavonoids.
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