Black Catholic Health & Wellness ~ { Print Version }
The National Black Catholic Congress
www.nbccongress.org

Down Home Cooking The Healthy Way

The "Down Home Healthy Cooking" cookbook from the National Cancer Institute can show you how a few simple changes can transform your favorite recipes into tasty dishes that are good for you too.

African Americans suffer from higher rates of serious diseases like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. African Americans suffer more serious health problems and die at an earlier age from these diseases. The good news is that eating a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle promote good health and lowers the chances for getting these illnesses.

A healthy diet includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy diet is also low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.

By making a few simple changes, you and your loved ones can enjoy the flavors of healthy cooking. The recipes and hints in "Down Home Healthy Cooking" will help you get started. You can request your free copy by calling 800-4-CANCER.

Oven Fried Chicken Breast from "Down Home Healthy Cooking"

• Ingredients
• Non-stick cooking spray
• ½ cup plain dried bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• ½ teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 large egg white
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast

1. Pre-heat oven to 350. Spray a medium baking pan with cooking spray. On waxed paper, mix bread crumbs, cheese, cornmeal and ground red pepper.

2. In pie plate, beat egg white and salt. Dip each piece of chicken in egg white mixture, then coat with bread crumb mixture. Place chicken in pan; spray lightly with cooking spray.

3. Bake chicken for 30 minutes or until coating is crisp and juices run clear when chicken is pierced with the tip of a knife.

Do you want to get the whole congregation involved in healthy eating? Check out the Body & Soul program from the National Cancer Institute at www.bodyandsoul.nih.gov  or call 800-4-CANCER for more information.