On October 21, 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim on the relationship between consumption of soy protein and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. This is only the third time that the FDA has allowed heart-healthy labeling for a specific food product‹soy protein. The first was for oat bran and the second was for psyllium.

The FDA has concluded, based on the scientific evidence in more than 50 studies, that

"25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease".

The FDA has just made it easier for consumers to understand and realize the health benefits of soy protein. This is great news for several reasons!

• First, it raises consumer awareness that adding soy to your diet is one of the healthiest choices a person can make.
• Second, with this labeling, the FDA has just made it easier for consumers to identify soy products that reduce their risk of heart disease.
• Third, soy foods ­ tofu and beyond ­ are so much more accessible and delicious than they used to be. In addition to many new recipes and methods for incorporating soy milk and tofu into our diets, there's a whole new generation of high-quality soy products readily available.

One of my favorite products is Boca Burgers. I like this stuff so much, I've teamed up with the people who make them to help spread the word about this very validating new FDA announcement. To learn more about Boca Burgers (and Boca's other soy-protein goodies), click here: www.bocaburger.com.

It's important to note that not all soy products are eligible for FDA heart-healthy labeling. To feature the claim, each product must contain 25% of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance, which is 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving; and meet other heart healthy standards. It must have: less than 3 grams of fat; less than 1 gram of saturated fat; less than 20 mg of cholesterol; and less than 480 mg of sodium.

OK, so the FDA recommends that you eat 25 grams of soy protein daily. This seems overwhelming. But let me show you what it actually looks like. I've worked this chart out in collaboration with the Boca people. The meatless "meat" products based on soy protein really help! Much as I love tofu, I need other options for enjoying soy.

BREAKFAST:

• Soy milk, instead of cow's milk, in your cereal, OR
• A soy-based breakfast bar, OR
• A serving of soy-protein meatless breakfast links or meatless breakfast patties. (Boca makes really good ones.)

Soy Score: 6 to 8 grams (Read the labels to be sure)

LUNCH:

• For a beverage or dessert, a smoothie made with soy protein powder, fruit juice, and fresh fruit, OR
• Cream of Tomato Soup, with soy milk instead of cow's milk (tastes the same), OR
• Savory baked tofu cut into strips in your salad OR
• A good meatless burger with a high soy protein content. (Boca is my favorite.) Use all your favorite trimmings (which, for me, must include sliced dill pickles).
• Edamame! A great Japanese snack or addition to lunch! These are green soy beans, still in their pods, and boiled in salted water until tender. Find them in Asian groceries or natural foods stores, with the produce.

Soy Score: 10 to 12grams (Read the labels to be sure.)

DINNER:

• A colorful stir-fry using tofu or tempeh and a variety of fresh vegetables and seasonings
• Ground Boca Burger Recipe Basics in any place people would normally use ground beef. (It is precooked and has a texture just like ground beef.) Use it in pasta sauce (see below), or chili or tacos, etc.
• Silken Tofu puréed into a sauce, or used to thicken a soup
• Other soy-based meatless "meat." Boca has a new product called "Meatless Tenders," which taste like chicken and can be used in a Caesar Salad or tossed with pasta. Kids love this one!

Soy Score: 9 to 12 grams (Read the labels to be sure)

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or kettle. Add onion, bell pepper, herbs, and salt, and sauté over medium heat until the onion is soft (about 5 minutes).
2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, and black pepper. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes.
3. Spray pan with non-stick cooking oil. Brown Ground Boca Burger Recipe Basics until heated through on low heat for 5 minutes. Add to sauce.
4. Add garlic, and cook about 5 minutes more. Heat gently and stir in cooked Ground Boca Burger Recipe Basics before serving. Add parsley at the last minute.

Quick Version for a Crazy Day

Add 2 cups of browned Ground Boca Burger Recipe Basics to 1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce. Makes 6 servings.

For more delicious meal ideas using soy-based Boca Burger products, visit their website at www.bocaburger.com