Treats for your ticker High cholesterol is no reason to avoid your favorite fall foods. In fact, much of seasonal produce is delicious and good for your ticker. Indulge wisely with these five recipes.
Pumpkin Ravioli
The meat and cheese in traditional ravioli can send calorie counts (and saturated fat) through the roof. However, using pumpkin keeps this dish at less than 200 calories per serving. And pumpkin is rich in fiber, which also helps in maintaining a healthy heart.
Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges Cholesterol-free french fries? You got 'em. Baking these peppery sweet potatoes at a high heat ensures a soft interior and slightly crisp and caramelized exterior without all the added fat of frying. Plus, one serving supplies all your daily vitamin A and one-third of your daily vitamin C.
Orecchiette With Brussels Sprouts and Hazelnuts Brussels sprouts won't get pushed around on your plate with this delicious recipe. Using meat like a seasoning allows you to soak in all the rich flavors for only 3 grams of saturated fat. Plus, chopped hazelnuts add a delicious flavor and a boost of iron!
Apple-Butternut Squash Soup
This recipe is a perfect example of maximizing the natural sweetness of apples and squash—two fall produce favorites. Using shiitake mushrooms gives you a creamy, savory base for far fewer calories than other creamy soups. Pine nuts and Parmesan cheese bump up the flavor on this hearty dish, which boasts 10 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber.
Spanish Salad of Oranges, Fennel, Red Onion, and Mint With Dressing As temperatures drop, make use of citrus fruits, which peak in the winter months. This unique salad combines crunchy, slightly sweet fennel with tart oranges and just a hint of mint. Unlike some dressings that are loaded with saturated fat, the dressing in this recipe contains heart-healthy fats from the extra virgin olive oil, plus a low-cal pour of red-wine vinegar.