(Family Features) No matter your motivations, it’s never too late or too early to start focusing on your heart health, and taking steps now can make a big difference. Small changes, like following a healthier eating plan, can help you start down a path toward improved heart health.

One step you can take is following the DASH eating plan, which is a flexible and balanced way of eating that stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and was developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Requiring no special foods, DASH provides daily and weekly nutritional goals to help lower two major risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure and high LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Being more physically active, managing stress, getting quality sleep and not smoking combined with DASH can put you on a path toward a healthy heart for life.

Encouraging others to join you on your heart-health journey can also be rewarding. Research shows social support and personal networks make it more likely you’ll stick to healthy habits like eating healthy.

Sharing heart-healthy recipes with family and friends is an added bonus, and these DASH-friendly meals can help you take the guesswork out of putting nutritious dinners on the table. Greek-Style Flank Steaks with Tangy Yogurt Sauce offer the bold flavors of the Mediterranean while Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables is as easy to make as it is colorful. For a complementary combination of pork and sweet fruit flavor, these Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce are perfect to serve alongside brown rice or steamed broccoli.

Learn more about heart health and find DASH-friendly recipes at nhlbi.nih.gov/DASH.

Greek-Style Flank Steak with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Marinade:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, rinsed, dried and chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)
• 1 beef flank steak (12 ounces)

Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, rinsed, dried and chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. To make marinade: In large bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, oregano and garlic.
2. Lay steak in flat container with sides and pour marinade over steak. Marinate at least 20 minutes, or up to 24 hours, turning several times.
3. To make yogurt sauce: Combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, dill, garlic and salt. Set yogurt sauce aside at least 15 minutes to blend flavors. Sauce can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance and refrigerated.
4. Preheat broiler to high with rack 3 inches from heat source.
5. Broil steak about 10 minutes on each side to minimum internal temperature of 145 F. Let cool 5 minutes before carving.
6. Slice thinly across grain into 12 slices.
7. Serve three slices with 1/2 cup yogurt sauce.

Tip: Serve in sandwich with pita bread, lettuce and tomato.

Teriyaki-Glazed Salmon with Stir-Fried Vegetables

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Salmon:

• 2 tablespoons light teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin or sweet rice wine
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons scallions, rinsed and minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 12 ounces salmon fillets, cut into four portions (3 ounces each)

Vegetables:

• 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen vegetables stir-fry
• 1/2 tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 1 clove)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon scallions, rinsed and minced
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. To prepare salmon: Mix teriyaki sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, scallions and ginger well. Pour over salmon and marinate 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove salmon from marinade.
4. Place salmon on baking sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork in thickest part and reaches minimum internal temperature of 145 F.
5. To prepare vegetables: Thaw frozen vegetables in microwave or place bag in bowl of hot water about 10 minutes. In large wok or saute pan, heat oil. Add garlic, ginger and scallions; cook gently, but do not brown, 30-60 seconds.
6. Add vegetables and continue stir-frying 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Add soy sauce.
7. Serve one piece of salmon with 1 cup vegetables.

Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Pork Chops:

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 3 ounces each)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 medium orange, rinsed and zested
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup 100% orange juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. To prepare pork chops: Season pork chops with pepper and orange zest.
3. In large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn and brown 2 minutes. Remove pork chops from pan, place on nonstick baking sheet and bake 10 minutes to minimum internal temperature of 160 F.
4. To make sauce: Add chicken broth to saute pan and stir to loosen brown bits from pork chops. Set aside.
5. In small saucepan over medium heat, cook grated apples, cinnamon stick and bay leaf until apples begin to soften.
6. Add cranberries, orange juice and reserved broth. Bring to boil then lower heat to gentle simmer. Simmer 10 minutes, or until cranberries are plump and apples are tender. Remove cinnamon stick.
7. Peel orange and cut into eight sections.
8. Serve one pork chop with 1/4 cup sauce and two orange segments.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Use on-hand ingredients for a quick-fix meal

(Family Features) Between juggling the ever-shifting to-do list and busy weeknights, there’s not always time left in the day to comb through cookbooks to find the perfect recipe. Even with a potential meal plan in mind, life can get in the way, and running to the grocery store might not be a top priority.

For a quick meal without a lot of hassle, an option such as Eckrich Smoked Sausage can be paired with whatever you have in the refrigerator or pantry for a fast, foolproof meal the whole family can enjoy. Since it is pre-cooked, all you have to do is heat and eat, taking the guesswork out of cook time while offering a rich and savory protein option for a balanced and delicious meal.

With flavors and forms ranging from the Original Skinless Smoked Sausage Rope to spicy Jalapeno & Cheddar Smoked Sausage Links, a home-cooked breakfast, lunch or dinner is just moments away – no instructions or plans needed. You can be a rebel without a cookbook and deliver diverse and delightful meals for your loved ones, such as this Veggie Smoked Sausage Stir-Fry.

For more mealtime inspiration, visit Eckrich.com.

Veggie Smoked Sausage Stir-Fry

Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          package Eckrich smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4          servings premade white or brown rice
• 1          tablespoon peanut oil
• 1          bag (16 ounces) frozen stir-fry vegetable mix
• 1          package stir-fry dry seasoning mix
• 2          tablespoons honey
• 1          teaspoon vinegar
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• sliced green onions (optional)

1. In pan over medium-high heat, brown sausage; set aside.
2. Heat white or brown rice according to package instructions.
3. In same pan over medium-high heat, heat peanut oil and stir-fry vegetable mix. Add stir-fry dry seasoning mix, honey, vinegar and sesame oil.
4. Divide rice, sausage and stir-fry mixture among four bowls.
5. Sprinkle each with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Source: Eckrich

(Family Features) Watermelon rinds make for more than just attractive containers for serving cold dishes and beverages. The rind can also be used in creative, edible ways and is good for your heart.

Watermelon, both the flesh and the rind, is a good source of a compound called citrulline, an amino acid that raises levels of arginine in the blood, which in turn helps maintain blood flow, healthy blood vessels and heart health. 

Whether you’re eating for good health or good taste (or both), you can use the rind to make pickles and relishes, grate into salads and slaws, toss into stir-fry and add to smoothies and juice. The key to chowing down on watermelon rind is knowing how to prepare it. These three preparation methods can help you put that rind to good use: 

Pickled: Watermelon rind is similar to a cucumber, which is why it’s no surprise that pickled watermelon rind is a popular option.

Juiced: Most people know you can enjoy juice from red flesh of the melon, but you can juice the rind, too. Just like the watermelon flesh, the rind is loaded with water and nutrients.

Stir-Fried: When it’s cut up, watermelon rind is just like a vegetable, which means it can be tossed in a pan and stir-fried right alongside broccoli and carrots.

Look for more creative ways to use your watermelon rind at watermelon.org.

Watermelon Rind Pickles

• 4          cups water
• 1          tablespoon coarse salt
• 2          cups peeled watermelon rind, cut into 1-1/2-by-2-inch pieces (leave thin layer of pink)
• 3/4       cup granulated sugar
• 1          allspice berry
• 1/2       cup cider vinegar
• 4          peppercorns
• 4          whole cloves
• 1/2       teaspoon pickling spice
• 1          long slice of fresh gingerroot
• 1/4       teaspoon celery seeds

1. In large pot over medium-high heat, bring water and salt to boil. Add rind pieces and boil until tender, about 5 minutes. Strain. Transfer rinds to large metal bowl.
2. In saucepan, combine watermelon rind, sugar, berries, vinegar, peppercorns, cloves, pickling spice, gingerroot and celery seeds. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer 15 minutes until slightly reduced. Pour over watermelon rinds in bowl. Place plate over top to keep rinds submerged in liquid.
3. Cover and refrigerate 1 day. Transfer to glass jar and keep sealed in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Watermelon Rind Stir-Fry

• 2          teaspoons sesame oil
• 2          cups watermelon rind, julienned (white part only, from about 1/2 of seedless watermelon)
• 1          cup julienned carrots
• 1/2       cup chives, cut into 3-inch pieces
• 1          tablespoon honey
• 1          tablespoon soy sauce
• 1          tablespoon fish sauce
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 1          piece (about 1 inch) ginger, minced
• 1/2       cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4       cup cilantro leaves
• 1/4       cup mint leaves
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1. In wok over high heat, heat sesame oil. Add watermelon rind and carrots and fry, stirring constantly, 1-2 minutes. Let sit over high heat 1 additional minute without stirring. Add chives and stir to combine.
2. In small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic and ginger. Pour sauce over watermelon rind and cook, stirring, 30 seconds-1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Transfer to serving dish. Add basil, cilantro and mint, tossing to combine. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

(Family Features) While it can be easy to fall into a routine of cooking the same recipes week in and week out, getting creative with mealtime can be as easy as making simple swaps and trying new flavor combinations with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

One of the easiest ways to shake things up in the kitchen any night of the week is to reimagine a classic dish by replacing one of the main ingredients. As an alternative to the typical chicken or beef, fresh pork is a versatile, convenient and flavorful protein that can easily transform a predictable meal into something new and delicious.

Instead of chicken Florentine, try this recipe for Pork Chops in Creamy Roasted Garlic Florentine Sauce, or rethink the typical weeknight stir-fry with this quick and easy Italian Stir-Fried Pork and Pasta.

For more creative yet easy ways to reimagine mealtime, visit Smithfield.com/ShakeItUp.

Pork Chops in Creamy Roasted Garlic Florentine Sauce

Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 4          Smithfield Boneless Pork Chops
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4          tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8          cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4       cup bacon pieces, half-cooked
• 1/2       cup chicken stock
• 2          cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2    cups chopped fresh baby spinach
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh tomato
• 1/4       cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1          teaspoon Italian seasoning

1. Season pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. In large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Cook pork chops 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145° F. Remove pork chops from pan and keep warm.
3. In same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and partially cooked bacon to skillet; cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Add spinach and tomatoes to sauce; let spinach wilt. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning; simmer about 3 minutes.
6. Return pork chops to pan along with juices. Spoon Florentine sauce over chops; simmer 3-5 minutes.

Italian Stir-Fried Pork and Pasta

Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          Smithfield Roasted Garlic & Herb Marinated Fresh Pork Loin Filet
• 1          package (8 ounces) spiral pasta
• 2          tablespoons olive oil
• 2          small zucchini squash, sliced lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1          small red onion, thinly sliced
• 8          sliced mushrooms
• 1/2       cup julienne-sliced sun-dried tomatoes
• 1          teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4       cup butter
• 1/2       cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1. Heat skillet or wok to 400° F.
2. Slice pork loin filet into thin strips.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions.
4. Add pork strips and oil to heated skillet. Stir-fry until meat is browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Add zucchini, onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic and butter to skillet; stir-fry until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
6. Drain pasta and add to pork and vegetable mixture with cheese and basil; toss to coat.

Source:  Smithfield

(Family Features) It’s a common scenario: no time for breakfast, so you’re snacking on something sweet in the break room at 9 a.m. Two hours later you hit the vending machine for something salty.

The good news is there is an easy, healthy alternative to taking control of your appetite: protein. In fact, a growing body of research shows that spreading protein intake over the course of a day may be the solution to mindless snacking.

Protein helps you avoid feeling hungry, giving you more control over the foods you choose. Eating the right amount of protein at each meal also helps achieve weight loss goals by keeping you fuller longer, building muscles after a workout and protecting the lean muscle you already have.

The 30 Day Protein Challenge, created by the Beef Checkoff, is a fun, step-by-step plan to help you get a balanced amount of protein at each meal. The challenge helps you keep track of your food, hunger and moods to see how simple diet changes can make a difference in your overall health and wellness for 30 days and beyond.

Recipes that take less than 30 minutes, such as Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry and Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, can make balancing protein simple.

Visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com to find everything you need to get started with the Protein Challenge, including tools and daily tips. Share your progress and engage with other participants online using #ProteinChallenge.

Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry

Servings: 4
Total time: 15 minutes

• 1 package (10 ounces) fresh vegetable stir-fry blend
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 beef ranch steaks (about 8 ounces each), cut 3/4-inch thick
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup prepared sesame-ginger stir-fry sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 cups hot cooked rice or brown rice, prepared without butter or salt
• 1/4 cup dry-roasted peanuts

1. In large, nonstick skillet, combine vegetables and water; cover and cook over medium-high heat 4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Remove and drain vegetables. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, cut beef steaks into 1/4-inch thick strips.
3. Heat same skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of beef and half of garlic; stir-fry 1-2 minutes, or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. Remove from skillet; keep warm.
4. Repeat with remaining beef and garlic.
5. Return all beef and vegetables to skillet. Add stir-fry sauce and red pepper; cook and stir 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Spoon over rice. Sprinkle with peanuts.

Nutrition information per serving: 393 calories; 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat; 5 g monounsaturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 969 mg sodium; 41 g carbohydrate; 3.9 g fiber; 28 g protein; 7.3 mg niacin; 0.7 mg vitamin B6; 4.2 mcg vitamin B12; 3.0 mg iron; 45.8 mcg selenium; 6.9 mg zinc; 99.3 mg choline.

Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Servings: 4
Total time: 25 minutes

• 4 beef tenderloin steaks (4 ounces each), cut 3/4-inch thick
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1 package (5 ounces) mixed baby salad greens
• 1 medium red or green pear, cored, cut into 16 wedges
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)

Honey Mustard Dressing

• 1/2 cup prepared honey mustard
• 2-3 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Season beef steaks with pepper. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook 7-10 minutes for medium rare (145° F) to medium (160° F) doneness, turning occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk Honey Mustard Dressing ingredients until well blended. Set aside.
3. Divide greens evenly among four plates. Top evenly with pear wedges and dried cranberries.
4. Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt, as desired. Divide steak slices evenly over salads. Top each salad evenly with dressing, pecans and goat cheese, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 332 calories; 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat; 6 g monounsaturated fat); 79 mg cholesterol; 256 mg sodium; 22 g carbohydrate; 3.4 g fiber; 27 g protein; 5.5 mg niacin; 0.7 mg vitamin B6; 3.9 mcg vitamin B12; 3.7 mg iron; 24.2 mcg selenium; 4.4 mg zinc; 75.4 mg choline.

Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association

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Ingredients

• 1/4 pound spaghetti
• 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon plus 1/3 cup Kikkoman Stir-Fry Sauce, divided
• 4 teaspoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce, divided
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 2 stalks celery, cut diagonally into thin slices
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 pound bean sprouts
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, rinse and drain thoroughly.
2. Meanwhile, coat chicken with 1 tablespoon stir-fry sauce and 2 teaspoons soy sauce; let stand 15 minutes.
3. Stir-fry chicken in 1 tablespoon hot oil in wok or large skillet over high heat 3 minutes, or until done; remove. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in same pan. Add carrot; stir-fry 1 minute. Add celery, onion and garlic; stir-fry 3 minutes longer. Stir in bean sprouts, chicken, pasta, remaining 1/3 cup stir-fry sauce, 2 teaspoons soy sauce and pepper.
4. Cook, stirring, until all ingredients are coated with sauce and pasta is heated through. Remove from heat; stir in sesame oil.

Serves

Makes 4 servings

Source: Kikkoman