Tweet this: Limit green beer this year: opt for dark green veggies in all 3 meals instead, says @ahaindy.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Heart-Healthy Greens

Skip the green beer and corned beef and opt instead for foods that will boost heart health

INDIANAPOLIS – Thoughts of traditional St. Patrick’s Day fare doesn’t always conjure up the healthiest of choices. From salty corned beef to sugary scones and cookies to excessive amounts of green beer, this holiday can wreak havoc on a healthy diet. This year, the American Heart Association is offering tips to keep your celebrations heart-healthy

It can be really tempting to over-indulge on St. Patrick’s Day, but your body will thank you for celebrating in moderation. Instead, add green to your meals in ways that are healthy, yet still fun and festive. Here are a few things you can to do put your heart first this St. Patrick’s Day:

·         Get your green on! Add dark green vegetables to each meal for a boost of vitamins and fiber to help you feel full and energized. Try a spinach-and-egg-white omelet at breakfast, a raw cabbage salad for lunch, and a hearty helping of baked kale chips with your fish for dinner. The American Heart Association recommends you eat at least 4.5 servings of vegetables each day, and with green being the theme for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s the perfect time to start!

·         Stay away from the salt. Traditional treats like corned beef, Shepherds’ pie and thick stews can contain hidden salts far above and beyond the daily limits recommended by the association. Try making your own versions of these heartier fares and substituting spices and herbs to add flavor instead of blood pressure-raising salts.

·         Just a sip. If alcohol will play a role in your festivities, limit your intake to one drink. With increased intake of alcohol, there are increased health dangers including high blood pressure, obesity and stroke.

·         Butt out. Many of Indiana’s bars are not smoke-free, plus you’ll undoubtedly see many atypical smokers outside on St. Patrick’s Day. Smoking “only when you drink” is still enough to increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.

·         Running of the green. Get active this St. Patrick’s Day with a walk around the neighborhood, quick run at the gym or family game of basketball. You’ll enjoy our warming weather and reduce your risk for cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that for every hour of vigorous exercise, life expectancy increases by two hours.

For more information on how you can keep your heart healthy year-round, visit www.MyLifeCheck.org.

Fruited Cabbage Salad

½ medium head cabbage, shredded                                                                                     

2 medium bananas, sliced                                                                                                    

½ cup fat free mayonnaise-type salad dressing                                                                   

1 Tbs. sugar                                                                                                                           

3 Tbs. skim milk         

Combine dressing, sugar and milk.  Pour over cabbage and stir. Chill. Just before serving, slice bananas and stir into cabbage. Serves 8.

Nutrition content per serving: 60 Cal,1 gm Fat, 1 gm Pro, 14 gm Carb, 134 mg Sodium, and 2 gm Fiber. Provides 35% Recommended Daily Value of Vitamin C.

###