By News & Views

For anyone trying to mind their nutritional or dietary p’s and q’s, including cardiopulmonary rehabilitation participants, the year-end festive season can test even the steeliest resolve. From cozy comfort foods to decadent desserts, temptation is around the corner at every family gathering or office holiday party, and all of the activities that fall in between.

Knowing the role that food plays in our society, but also recognizing the importance of maintaining dietary goals, AACVPR members share a few of their go-to recipes that they believe balance both needs. CR/PR professionals can serve these dishes at get-togethers at the rehab or pass them along to patients to prepare at home for a lighter or healthier — but still delicious and season-friendly — option to calorie- and carbohydrate-heavy cuisine that threatens to set back their nutritional progress.

Healthy Recipes for the Holiday Season

	APPETIZER: Pea Pesto Crostini  Recipe by Mary E. Hyer, RD, LDN, CCRP, Cardiac Rehab Dietitian at Elfers Cardiovascular Center; Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Massachusetts.  Download Recipe
	APPETIZER: Salmon-Stuffed Mushrooms  Submitted by Heather Macdonald, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, Cardiac Rehab Nurse Coordinator at Knight Cardiovascular Institute — Oregon Health and Science University, on behalf of Tracy Severson, RD, the program’s registered dietitian. Severson is also the author of The Heart Protection Kitchen, which she wrote with OHSU cardiologist Sergio Fazio, MD, PhD.    Download Recipe
	SALAD: Delicata Squash, Pomegranate, and Arugula  Recipe courtesy of Mary E. Hyer, RD, LDN, CCRP, who always recommends having a wonderful salad to enhance one’s meal. “It can take up 50% of your plate to enjoy family traditions in moderation,” she says.  Download Recipe
	SIDE DISH: Veggie Stuffing  The recipe is compliments of Chef Mark Elliotte and comes to us via Amanda Xaysuda, MPH, Director of Strong Hearts Rehabilitation Center at Arkansas Heart Hospital.  Download Recipe
	ENTRÉE: Roasted Stuffed Winter Squash  Another entry from Mary E. Hyer, RD, LDN, CCRP, who loves the beautiful presentation of this dish. Even better, she adds, “it can be served as a side for those who may be eating turkey or main dish for plant-based lovers.”   Download Recipe
	DESSERT: Tollhouse Cookies, the Healthy Way  Modifications by Mark Craig, MS, CCRP, exercise physiology coordinator at LMH Cardiac Rehab; Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Illinois. “I just took the Tollhouse cookie recipe and looked for healthier alternatives for all the ingredients” that still produced a tasty treat, he shares.  Download Recipe
	DESSERT: Healthy Roll-Out Sugar Cookies  Contributed by new AACVPR Director Tonja Bell, MS, CCRP, FAACVPR, of Baptist Medical Center in Nassau Fernandina Beach, Florida. Bell says this “nice” version of her “naughty” sugar cookie recipe is a delicious alternative for the health-conscious eater!  Download Recipe