Cooking With Fresh Herbs 

  Skip the salt shaker and start adding flavor to your home cooked meals with the help of fresh herbs. Herbs are a delicious and health conscious way to add life to dull dishes, without packing on the sodium from salt. Some of the world’s most renowned chefs swear these versatile leaves are the secret to a perfect dish. Coming in a variety of forms and flavors, herbs are sure to bring delight with every bite. Follow our guide to use more in your own kitchen. With these tips, your friends and family will think you’re a top chef! Basil This clover-like herb is one of the most popular in the United States. Basil comes in a variety of different forms with the most popular being sweet Italian and Thai purple. Adding basil to your dishes will give it a [...]

Don’t be Salty: The Facts on Sodium

The month of February is dedicated to heart health. A heart healthy lifestyle focuses on low sodium foods, a variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and regular physical activity. Making small changes to your diet can help support your heart. Let’s focus on some ways to decrease your sodium intake. Sodium is an essential nutrient, but most Americans consume too much sodium. Excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart and kidney disease along with stroke. Check out the following myths and the low sodium shopping list to help you kick excess sodium out of your diet. Myth 1: Sea salt is healthier than table salt. Fact: Sea salt and table salt contain the same amount of sodium.  Limit the use of all types of salt (sea salt, table salt, Himalayan pink [...]

Heart Healthy Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey and Black Bean Chili

Slow Cooker Turkey and Black Bean Chili This chili recipe is packed with black beans rich in soluble fiber, which may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. It also utilizes no-salt-added canned items and dried herbs that are not only affordable but heart-healthy as well. Ingredients 2 lbs. ground, skinless turkey breast 2 cans no-salt-added black beans (rinsed, drained) 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 1 can no-salt-added, diced tomato (undrained) 2 cans no-salt-added tomato sauce 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn 1 Tbsp cumin 1 Tbsp chili powder 2 tsp dried oregano (crumbled) 2 tsp ground coriander 4 medium garlic cloves (minced) Directions Place ingredients in crockpot. Cover and cook over low setting for 8-10 hours, or over high setting for 3-4 hours. Dietitian Tips Pair this meal with a serving of veggies and a whole-grain roll or brown rice to create a balanced meal. Can’t find no salt or sodium added beans? Rinse the [...]