SIMPLY HEALTHY

Melissa Moore, R.D., L.D. is a registered dietitian at the Cotton- O'Neil Heart Center, a division of Stormont-Vail HealthCare. Melissa teaches three free Heart Healthy Cooking classes per month to help people develop more healthy eating habits. Call Health Connections at (785) 354-5225. Her column runs the first and third Wednesday in The Capital-Journal.

The artery blockages that put former President Clinton in the hospital didn't happen overnight. Family history consisting of heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol compounded by his love of junk food contributed to his health crisis.

President Clinton credited his recent weight loss to the South Beach Diet, which most likely didn't cause his heart disease, but low- carb diets may not be a good long-term choice for people battling obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Healthy eating habits must be developed over a lifetime. A low- fat diet including vegetables and fruits is a great start to heart healthy eating. The next time you crave fast food, consider a healthier substitute like a homemade burger served on whole wheat with this flavorful recipe for sweet potatoes.

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

2 medium sweet potatoes (10 ounces each)

1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

3/4 teaspoon garlic salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

Dash white pepper

Cut potatoes into 1/8 inch slices; spray both sides of slices with nonstick cooking spray. In a bowl, combine seasonings. Add the potatoes; toss gently to coat. Place in a single layer in two 15 by 10 by 1 baking pans coated with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender, turning several times. Yield: 5 dozen chips.

Nutritional analysis: One serving (15 chips) equals 109 calories; trace fat (trace saturated fat); 0 cholesterol; 351 milligrams sodium; 25 grams carbohydrate; 4 grams fiber; 2 grams protein; diabetic exchange, 1 1/2 starch.

Note: To reduce sodium, use garlic powder instead of garlic salt.

Copyright 2004
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