
Celebrate National Heart Health Month with these Heart-Healthy Treats
February 3,2015
Ridgewood NJ, The National Retail Federation reports that the average person will spend $142.31 on Valentine’s Day in 2015, up $8 from last year. With February underway, people everywhere are beginning to plan and find something special for their loved one – but it’s not about the amount of money you spend.
Kings Food Markets encourages you to give from your heart, rather than your wallet, in honor of National Heart Health Month this February with these heart-healthy treats hand-selected from Nutritionist Shari Bilt Boockvar, MS, RD.:
· Chocolaty Banana Crepes
o Dark chocolate has more antioxidants than milk chocolate and the cinnamon may help with decreasing your risk of high blood pressure.
· Chocolate Peanut Pomegranate Treat
o The peanuts and peanut butter provide beneficial unsaturated fats while cacao powder provides antioxidants, magnesium and fiber. By adding Greek yogurt, you get the benefits of both protein and calcium.
· Fruity Nutty Tortilla Pizza
o Choose whole wheat tortillas to provide additional fiber and enjoy berries that add a source of additional fiber and antioxidants. The unsaturated fats in almonds are also beneficial for heart health.
HEART-HEALTHY RECIPES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY:
Chocolaty Banana Crepe (Makes 1)
Ingredients:
· 2 Egg Whites (from 2 Kings Organic Cage Free Eggs)
· 3 Hershey’s Dark Chocolate Kisses, chopped
· ½ Banana, sliced
· 1 Teaspoon Sugar
· Cinnamon
· Vegetable Spray (such as Pam)
Directions:
· Spray small pan and pour in egg whites. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side to form a crepe.
· Place on plate and top half with banana slices and chopped chocolate
· Fold over other half to cover and then sprinkle top with cinnamon and sugar
· Wait about 1 minute until chocolate is melted
Chocolate Peanut Pomegranate Treat (Makes 1)
Ingredients:
· 1 Container Vanilla Greek Yogurt
· 1 Tablespoon Natural Peanut Butter
· 1 Teaspoon Crushed Peanuts
· 1 Tablespoon Cacao Powder
· ¼ Cup Pomegranate Arils (fresh or frozen)
Directions:
· Mix yogurt, peanut butter and cacao powder until blended well.
· Top with pomegranate arils and crushed peanuts
Fruity Nutty Tortilla Pizza (Makes 1)
Ingredients:
· 1 Whole Wheat Tortilla (La Tortilla Factory)
· ¾ Cup Mixed Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries)
· 1 Tablespoon Chocolate Syrup
· 1 Tablespoon Sliced Almonds
Directions:
· Lay tortilla on flat surface and top with berries
· Toast for 2 minutes in toaster oven
· Drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with sliced almonds.
· Slice into 6 pieces