Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that may help to lower cholesterol. In one study of people with moderately high cholesterol levels, individuals who ate a diet high in avocados showed clear health improvements. After seven days on the diet that included avocados, they had significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, along [...]

Delicious and hearty, this soup is so close to the rich, fattening original–your family will never know the difference!
 
1 pound Italian turkey sausage
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large russet potatoes, cut in half, then sliced
4 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 (12-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk
2 cups [...]

One of the greatest temptations that many people face during the holidays are all those delicious sweets!  Admittedly, I do have to fight to resist my favorite seasonal treats, so I have spent some time developing a few recipes to help satisfy the sweet-tooth.  My Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares are tasty and they will not break [...]

Save some room on your Thanksgiving table for some sides that will not break your diet!  This delicious Apple-Pecan Stuffing will be a great accompaniment to your holiday meal and your family will never miss the fat or calories!
 
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
2 medium onions, diced
2 stalks celery, [...]

Fall is here and I am thrilled!  Without a doubt, autum is my favorite season, but, unfortunately, it is also one of my busiest.  I am co-chairing the Gourmet Gala for the March of Dimes this week, and I am already filling my calendar with events through November and December.  During these busy times, it’s [...]

I have always loved the classic Cobb Salad, but with its delicious combination of tastes and textures, including chicken breast, bacon, bleu cheese, etc., it is not the healthiest choice!
This is my version of a Cobb Salad with a Southwestern flair!
SOUTHWESTERN COBB SALADwww.markcookssmart.com/blog
 

The original Cobb Salad was a signature menu item at the legendary Brown [...]

I was privileged to be asked to co-chair The Fourth Annual Gourmet Gala Dinner and Auction for the March of Dimes.  The Gourmet Gala is a national signature event of the March of Dimes and raises funds for support of the March of Dimes mission to reduce birth defects, premature births and infant mortality by [...]

 A Change of Heart: A Family-Centered Approach to a Healthy Cardiovascular Lifesytyle may be purchased by calling Burkett Cardiovascular Associates at 318.361.0086 or emailing markksanders@gmail.com. Copies are also available at The Muffin Tin, located at 1904 Glenmar Avenue in Monroe and The Trenton House, located at 304 Stella Street in West Monroe.
Mark Sanders, Director of Marketing [...]

For several years, I’ve had the privilege of educating the public about the risks factors commonly associated with cardiovascular disease, as well as the steps we, both as individuals and as healthcare providers, can take to engage in active prevention. 
           
Before we can prevent heart disease, it is essential to know the risk factors [...]