Hey everyone!
I’m starting a new series on my blog for heart healthy recipes. I’ve been asked multiple times at work (I work in a heart failure clinic) for low sodium recipes, and I realized I don’t have very many on hand! I recently read the book: “Eat Less Salt” by the American Heart Association. It’s a great read—the first section of the book explains why sodium affects heart health, and the second section has a ton of recipes. I’m going to write a review over the book soon :)
Today I wanted to try out Easy Veggie Mac and Cheese from my Eat Less Salt book. Per half cup serving, it has 100 calories and 160mg of sodium, which is way less than conventional boxed macaroni and cheese. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner has 400 calories and 710mg of sodium—in just one-third of the box. And who eats just one-third of the box? I’ve been guilty of eating the entire thing. Save yourself the calories and sodium and make it yourself!
This was a really easy recipe to follow. The pasta is cooked along with the broccoli and bell pepper. The sauce is super easy to whisk up. The cheddar is added at the end! We sprinkled some Parmesan cheese on top and added some crushed red pepper flakes. Yum!
This pasta was cheesy, flavorful, and melted in your mouth. It did need a dash or two of salt at the table, and I added some black pepper and red chili flakes (an obsession at our house—we add them to everything!). What a great low sodium option! This would be a great dish to serve to kids, as well as older adults who want that comfort food but don’t want to sacrifice good nutrition.
I would highly recommend the book “Eat Less Salt” for anyone wanting to lower their sodium intake!
Hi! I’m Emily, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and self-taught intuitive chef. I firmly believe that cooking is the simplest and most important step we can take to improve our minds and bodies and build healthier communities. Join me and let’s bring food back to the kitchen!
What veggie can I substitute for the broccoli? I can’t have it because of Hashimoto’s Hypothyrodism. I love spinach. Do you think that would be a good substitute?
Yes, I think so! You could use fresh spinach and add it when you’re adding the cheddar cheese at the end. That way it wilts into the pasta and won’t get soggy.
It really was way better than boxed Mac and cheese!
Yes, I agree! And way healthier too!