In celebration of American Heart Month, ShopRite’s registered dietitians are helping customers learn about heart-healthy foods and recipes, and continuing to offer free nutrition services like one-on-one counseling, grocery store tours and product samplings.
Plus, during the month of February, customers can download a recipe book filled with meal ideas that can fit into a heart-healthy diet here.
“We’re committed to letting our customers and associates know that even modest changes to diet and lifestyle can improve heart health and lower risk for heart disease,” said Natalie Menza-Crowe, Wakefern’s Director of Health and Wellness. “As part of our ongoing health and wellness programs, we’re excited to present a recipe book filled with meal ideas that have been chosen by our chefs and dietitians that can easily fit into a heart-healthy diet.”
Shoppers can pick up the free recipe book at the office of their local ShopRite dietitian (while supplies last), or download a copy here.
Menza-Crowe said managing your diet, keeping fit and watching your blood pressure are just a few important to-dos when it comes to taking care of your heart.
Her tips include:
• Eat more ‘good’ fats. “Avocados are a great example of a heart-healthy fat that can add flavor and nutrition to nearly any meal.”
• Incorporate whole grains (and more fiber) when you can. “There’s a whole world of whole wheat breads and pastas out there. If you’re just starting to incorporate whole grains into your diet, try mixing whole wheat and regular pasta into one dish.”
• Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. “If you don’t have time to get to the store as often as you’d like, stock up on frozen fruits and veggies, and add them as needed to meals or, for fruits, try experimenting with smoothies.”
Limit added sugars. “Sugar can sneak up in places you’d never suspect. Being mindful of what you’re eating and drinking, and keeping an eye on food information labels is the easiest way to stay on top of your sugar consumption.”
Have more questions about ways to keep your heart healthy? Stop in the office of your local in-store dietitian, or reach out online with a question via ShopRite’s virtual dietitian chat – available by logging into www.shoprite.com.
Recipe for Walnut Quinoa and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
• ⅔ cup dry quinoa
• 4 medium red bell peppers
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 cups chopped baby spinach
• ¼ cup crumbled tomato & basil
• feta cheese
Directions
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cook quinoa as label directs.
• Cut off tops of peppers starting ½-inch from stem ends of peppers; reserve tops. Remove seeds and inner membranes from peppers; place cut side up in 9-inch square baking dish. Bake 10 minutes or until slightly tender.
• In a medium bowl, stir walnuts, spinach, quinoa and ½ teaspoon salt; divide into peppers and sprinkle with cheese. Replace tops of peppers.
• Bake peppers 10 minutes or until peppers are tender and slightly charred. ••
