Dietitians Dish – February 14, 2022
Healthier Sweets for your Heart!
Whether you’re showing your sweetheart some love or just enjoying some “sweet” heart protection, eating more fruits and vegetables reduces risks for heart disease. A variety of preliminary research is identifying berries as an essential fruit group in a heart-healthy diet. They’re high in fiber, Vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols. These nutrients tend to benefit heart health because they help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, plus reduce oxidative stress.
Watermelon even has a nutrient profile earning it the American Heart Association’s Heart Check Mark. Along with many heart-protective nutrients, it contains magnesium (which steadies heartbeat) and phosphorus (which has a role in the heart’s electrical activity). Create some fun with fruit and enjoy a sweet way to love your heart!
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
- 2 pints strawberries
- 1 pkg. (8 oz.) Neufchatel cream cheese
- 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 5-6 vanilla wafer cookies (~3 Tbsp. crumbs)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450 . Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In food processor with knife blade attached, pulse half the cauliflower 10 times or to rice-like consistency. (You should have about 6 cups.) Transfer cauliflower to large microwave-safe bowl. Repeat with remaining cauliflower.
- Add water to cauliflower; cover bowl with plastic wrap; heat in microwave oven on high 12 minutes or until very tender. Uncover; let stand 30 minutes. Place cauliflower in clean kitchen towel; squeeze until very dry.
- In same bowl, stir steamed cauliflower, garlic, egg whites, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oil, salt and black pepper.
- Press cauliflower mixture into 14-inch circle on prepared cookie sheet. Bake 24 minutes or until browned. Add preferred toppings and cook 7-10 more minutes.