Meeting Menus at Center of Heart Health Month

I bet you thought wearing red in February was a way to celebrate Valentine’s and while that may be true, February is also Heart Health Month, which includes some school spirit style ‘wear red if you care’ heart disease awareness.

One-fourth of men and one in three women die from cardiovascular disease in the United States. High blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, heart attack, it comes in many forms, but with few causes. Lifestyle choices is the leading indicator of heart problems, with genetics only helping it become worse in some people. Diet is one of those lifestyle choices.

Attendees come to us in need of sustenance that will carry them through the day as well as help them continue their commitment to a heart healthy diet. As the person responsible for ordering food, we become a caregiver, of sorts. We control attendee diets and it’s important we help them eat healthier while on the road – an often difficult thing to do.

It may be tempting to offer impressive spreads of delicious treat that will spoil our attendees with food they wouldn’t normally eat. But let’s also remember that with heart disease numbers so high, we’ve really got to make sure options are available that meet their needs for energy, health, and wellness. Below are just a few heart healthy recipes for heart health month that will respect the lifestyle-relate dietary restrictions so many of our attendees require.

Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro-Lime Quinoa

This Mexican, Simple Cooking with Heart recipe for smoky chicken bowls make for a substantial dinner or even an easily-transported work lunch. Just layer into a Mason jar or a plastic/ glass storage container for a portable meal. Also note that the chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours.

Head to the American Heart Association for ingredients & delicious directions!

Blueberry Crisp à la Mode

Cooking Light is a great source of heart healthy recipes. Here is a dessert that tends to be a crowd pleaser.

You can use almost any combination of fresh berries in this dessert as well as homemade sugar-free ice cream if you feel like getting creative. Try cherries, blackberries, or a mixture of all three.

Follow this link for the delicious details.

Mini Mushroom-&-Sausage Quiches

You don’t have to fall back on bananas and bran muffins for heart healthy breakfasts. Eating Well has a plethora of choices that are tasty, budget friendly, and heart healthy.

These crustless mini quiches are like portable omelets. Turkey sausage and sautéed mushrooms keep them light and savory. Small and satisfying, they’re also a good finger food for a cocktail party.

This link will take you to all things quiche and heart health month friendly.