CREATIVE SYNDICATE

Almost half of American adults say they need to change their diets so they can improve overall healthfulness, according to a 2012 survey by The NPD Group. But no matter how wholesome something is, if it doesn't taste good, no one will want to eat it.

To help make sure your family has a nutrition-minded diet that still delivers on taste, stock up on delicious but guiltless ingredients such as:

• Colorful fruits and veggies - Nutritious produce brings vitamins, minerals and fiber to the table. Keep snack-ready apples, bananas, grapes, pears, berries and oranges visible and within reach, so they're easy to grab when the kids get hungry. Look for ways to add veggies to dishes, like unique soup or sandwich recipes.

•Whole grains - Whole grains have more fiber, which is important for heart and digestive health. Look for whole grain sandwich breads, pitas, pastas and pizza crusts. Experiment with side dishes using whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa or barley.

• Herbs and spices - Watching sodium intake is also important for heart health. In addition to using lower sodium ingredients, you can boost flavor with herbs and spices. Oregano, basil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, thyme and rosemary can be used to flavor soups, meats and fish, and can be mixed into a small amount of fat-free mayonnaise to dress up sandwiches.

Fortunately, it's easy to find recipes that have great tasting, wholesome ingredients. These recipes use Sara Lee Premium turkey, chicken and ham deli meats, which you can find behind the deli counter at your grocery store. These deli meats feature the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart-Check mark*, which means they have been certified to meet the AHA guidelines for heart-healthy food as part of an overall sensible eating pattern. They also do not contain added hormones, MSG, gluten, fillers or artificial flavors or colors and serve as a good source of protein.

To get more tasty recipes that feature these sliced-to-order deli meats and others, visit www.saraleedeli. com.

Please note that the Heart- Check Food Certification does not apply to research or recipes or information reached through links unless expressly stated. For more information, see the AHA nutrition guidelines at: heartcheckmark.org/guidelines.

Turkey Tortellini Soup

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups water

• 1 package (9 ounces) fresh three cheese tortellini

• 2 cups Sara Lee Premium Lower Sodium Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast; diced 3/4-inch cubes

• 1 small head of escarole; cleaned and chopped

• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

• Pepper

Bring chicken stock and water to a boil in a large stockpot. Add tortellini and cook per package instructions.

Add turkey and escarole during last 2 minutes of cooking. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with pepper. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese and crusty Italian bread.

Kid Sushi

Yield: 1 to 2 servings

• 2 slices whole grain white bread

• 1 teaspoon low-fat ranch dressing

• 2 slices Sara Lee Premium Honey Ham

• 2 slices Sara Lee Premium Baby Swiss Cheese, cut into 2-inch by 1/4-inch strips

• 1 tablespoon shredded carrot

• 2 sweet baby pickles

Trim crust from bread. Place both pieces of bread side-by-side on a work surface, with one slice overlapping the other. Press bread slices where they overlap to fuse together. Spread bread with ranch dressing.

Layer bread with ham, Swiss, and carrots. Place two pickles horizontally and endto- end at bread edge closest to you. Roll bread from bottom up to make tight cigarshaped roll.

Cut roll into sushi-sized pieces approximately one inch in length.

Tuscan Turkey Sandwich

Yield: 1 sandwich

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fat free mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon prepared pesto

• 2 slices hearty white or buttermilk bread

• 2 to 3 slices Sara Lee Premium Lower Sodium Oven Roasted Turkey Breast

• 2 to 3 slices vine-ripened tomato

• Fresh basil leaves

• 1 slice Sara Lee Premium Provolone Cheese

• Mix mayonnaise and pesto in a small bowl until light green. Spread pesto mayonnaise on one side of bread.

• Add turkey, tomato, basil and provolone. Top with second slice of bread.