Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing over 640,000 people each year. Our twenty-first century habits--particularly our penchant for high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods, along with inadequate physical exercise--dramatically increase our chances of developing heart disease and other ailments that unnecessarily tarnish the Golden Years of millions of Americans. But research shows that we can lower our heart disease risk by as much as 82 percent by adopting sensible health habits. Through reasonable modifications in how we choose, prepare, and serve our foods, we can go a long way towards reducing the toll of premature and preventable illness and increase our chances for a long, happy, healthy life. Cooking à la Heart features over 400 recipes to help your heart stay fit. It explains healthy dietary recommendations and shows you how to make substitutions for rich foods, without compromising flavor. Principles of heart-healthy living from experts guide you through maintaining a healthy weight; exercise benefits; choosing a diet for good health; important heart health numbers; and how to increase fiber, use less sugar, and reduce sodium in your diet. Every recipe includes nutrient analysis, with calories, protein, carbs, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, Omega-3 fat, sodium, fiber, and diabetic exchanges.

DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) guidelines and a Mediterranean eating plan are emphasized throughout. All recipes are low in saturated fat, include no trans fats, and emphasize whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy. Learn how to make every meal heart-healthy, from appealing appetizers, like Savory Stuffed Mushrooms and Spicy Fish Bites to decadent desserts, like Baked Apples and Spicy Pumpkin Bars. Indulge in meaty recipes like Chicken Tandoori, Swedish Meatballs, and Veal Parmesan, and eat the rainbow with vegetable-focused meals like Eggplant Casserole, Ratatouille, and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie. You'll even find recipes for hair and body care, plus seven days' worth of breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. With Cooking à la Heart , eating healthfully is neither difficult nor boring. Rather, as diners who follow the guidelines, recipes, and menu plans are destined to discover, healthful eating is a stimulating trip into new and familiar taste sensations that can help to keep you enjoying good food for many more years to come.