Broccoli is a one of the most nutritionally active vegetables. You can either eat it raw with a dip, tossed into a stir fry or steamed and served with a dollop of butter. Another versatile vegetable is broccoli sprouts. Just as scrumptious as broccoli, broccoli sprouts can be a great alternative in the traditional sense.

The heart attack really frightened my mother. She was determined that dad would regain his strength and be healthier. She became a fanatic at making sure everything she served him was made from healthy recipes. At that time there was not the number of fat alternatives that there are today. The alternatives that were on the market were poor tasting and poor quality. My older sister tried to tell my mother that she did not need to try elaborate healthy recipes, but instead broil chicken and fish and serve fresh vegetables. The most difficult thing for dad was giving up chocolate as well as the rich desserts that mom made. She made pound cakes that melted in your mouth.