The more you read about the Mediterranean diet, the better things sound. The diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats and proteins, has been linked to a decrease in heart disease and even potentially helping to curb deadly diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
And one of the best things about it is that you don’t need to be an expert chef in the kitchen to make meals that are inspired by the Mediterranean diet to be heart-healthy.
Oak Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing is sharing these four delicious recipes that will keep your stomach—along with the rest of your body—happy.
- Tomato Feta Shrimp Pasta
One additional healthy hack to this recipe is to use Italian cherry tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes. They have no added sugar even though they are sweeter than their American counterpart, and also has less sodium and fewer preservatives. Use your choice of whole-grain pasta, which is high in fiber and have fewer bad carbs, 8 ounces of extra-large shrimp (between 20 and 25 pieces), and an ounce of crumbled feta to complete this dish.
- Lemon Pistachio Quinoa Salad With Grilled Salmon
Use 6 cups of arugula for your salad base, 2 cups of cooked quinoa, one-quarter cup of dry-roasted pistachios, one-quarter cup of lemon juice, and four salmon fillets at 4 ounces each.
- Grilled Chicken Zoodle Marinara
Here’s a healthy take on chicken parmesan! Grill the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and instead of pasta, make zoodles—zucchini noodles. By tossing the noodles and chicken in the marinara (if you go for store-bought, by a low-salt, no-sugar-added sauce) and sprinkle with parmesan, you can please even the pickiest vegetable-eater.
- Mediterranean Pizza
Pizza can be good for you too! Use either a whole-wheat or cauliflower-based crust and top with cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, and the vegetables of your choice.
To learn more about Oak Hill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://oak-hill-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
